Jim Crane was not present when the Astros hired Joe Espada. It's an encouraging, though not definitive, sign that the team's best baseball decision makers will be in charge of baseball decisions.
I tend to share your optimism in the Espada hire and, perhaps naively, am encouraged by this being “Dana’s hire” so to speak. That said, I can’t help but feel cynically about Crane’s absence. It feels slightly ominous to me. I’m interested to see whether Jim Crane goes to bat publically for Espada in any tough times that may approach in the coming year(s).
I tend to share your optimism in the Espada hire and, perhaps naively, am encouraged by this being “Dana’s hire” so to speak. That said, I can’t help but feel cynically about Crane’s absence. It feels slightly ominous to me. I’m interested to see whether Jim Crane goes to bat publically for Espada in any tough times that may approach in the coming year(s).
Yes, I think that's well stated. The abrupt nature of the change does lead to a number of questions and bears watching over time.