There are few journalists more respected in the game than USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. We go around the bases with one of the best in the business.
Q: The Hader or Brown injury, which has been more devastating for Houston this season if you had to pick one?
A: I think the Brown absence has had more of an impact. He’s an ace and can solidify the rotation just with his presence. I love Josh Hader. He can pitch 4-5 days a week, but they’ve had only two blown saves this season. Simply, Hader would not have had many opportunities to even close games.
Q: We’ve seen a few managers already fired. Does Joe Espada endure this until his starters return or is he firmly on the hot seat?
A: Espada is definitely on the hot seat. In fact, no manager is in bigger jeopardy of losing his job now that Carlos Mendoza is safe for now in New York. Espada is one prolonged losing streak of being let go.
Q: An optimist would say that there’s a ton of baseball left and that no team has pulled away in the AL West. What would you say to that person?
A: The AL West may be the weakest division in baseball, but the Astros have yet to show signs they are capable of hanging in the race. They haven’t won three games in a row since April 1.
Q: If the Astros failed to once again reach the post season, would you feel their window to compete for championships had closed?
A: No, not at all. I don’t believe the Astros will ever go into a full rebuild as long as Jim Crane owns the franchise. They will do everything within their power to contend every season. They have far too much talent to step back and rebuild.
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