Joe Espada’s Astros Will Be Defined By the Final 7 Games — It’s Playoffs Or Bust For Jim Crane’s Proud Franchise

I t may not be fair. Most coaches would tell you it’s not right. Regardless, Joe Espada’s tenure as the Houston Astros manager will be defined by these next seven games. Espada needs to find a way to guide his wounded, flawed team into the playoffs. Somehow, some way, some will. The Astros streak of making baseball’s postseason cannot end on his watch at eight straight seasons. Not like this.

Espada cannot swing the bat for struggling $60 Million Man Christian Walker. He cannot turn Framber Valdez from a September pumpkin back into a near ace. He cannot suddenly grant Zach Cole and Cam Smith experience under pressure. He cannot give Isaac Paredes a return to timing after all those months away. (Though he could not bat Paredes third so soon.)

Yes, there is plenty Espada cannot do, so man