1 00:00:05,920 --> 00:00:06,840 Speaker 1: What's up? Everybody? 2 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:09,760 Speaker 2: Welcome into another edition of Crush City Territory. My name 3 00:00:09,800 --> 00:00:12,480 Speaker 2: is Chandler Rome. Tyler Stafford's here and we have the 4 00:00:12,520 --> 00:00:15,640 Speaker 2: most special guests that you can have. We have Astro's 5 00:00:15,640 --> 00:00:20,640 Speaker 2: manager Joe Espada joining us. Joe it is. We're recording 6 00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:22,480 Speaker 2: this on a Friday, so you're gonna head this. You're 7 00:00:22,480 --> 00:00:24,960 Speaker 2: gonna head to West Palm Beach within the next three days. 8 00:00:25,120 --> 00:00:28,200 Speaker 2: We understand that this is probably one of the busiest times. 9 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 1: Of year for you. 10 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:32,239 Speaker 2: So can't thank you enough for taking a little bit 11 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:35,800 Speaker 2: of your time, uh to talk with us. What is 12 00:00:36,400 --> 00:00:38,760 Speaker 2: I guess as you're preparing to go to spring training? 13 00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:41,320 Speaker 2: How hectic is our things right now? Uh? 14 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:46,360 Speaker 1: They're they're busy, They're busy, consumed by It's like spring 15 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:51,640 Speaker 1: training planning, right We have pictures. Are catchers already joining 16 00:00:51,720 --> 00:00:54,200 Speaker 1: us in the next couple of days, some of them 17 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 1: out there already. They're trying to get some of those 18 00:00:56,240 --> 00:01:00,200 Speaker 1: things lined up, you know, working through some meetings that 19 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:03,600 Speaker 1: we do prior to the workouts with the front office 20 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:07,440 Speaker 1: go over our players. So is busy and you know, 21 00:01:07,440 --> 00:01:11,759 Speaker 1: I make trips to the ballpark and we have between 22 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:15,640 Speaker 1: twelve fifteen players there at times where the training and 23 00:01:15,680 --> 00:01:19,120 Speaker 1: getting ready for the season. So it gives me an 24 00:01:19,160 --> 00:01:22,560 Speaker 1: opportunity to start some conversation with the players and start 25 00:01:22,560 --> 00:01:27,080 Speaker 1: talking about the twenty twenty five season. So yeah, I'm 26 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:29,399 Speaker 1: living Monday and I'm excited. I can't wait to get 27 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:30,200 Speaker 1: down to West Palm. 28 00:01:31,760 --> 00:01:34,160 Speaker 2: We've you mentioned you get to you're going to the ballpark. 29 00:01:35,640 --> 00:01:37,520 Speaker 2: I don't know that you guys wanted it out there, 30 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:41,640 Speaker 2: but there's been some videos from the ballpark circulating in 31 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:45,240 Speaker 2: the last week or so, watching obviously jose L Twova 32 00:01:45,319 --> 00:01:47,400 Speaker 2: out out in the field, and I'm not we don't 33 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:49,880 Speaker 2: want to make this solely about that, but in general, 34 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:52,240 Speaker 2: can you give us a vibe kind of what does 35 00:01:52,280 --> 00:01:54,920 Speaker 2: go on at the ballpark and what guys are there, 36 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,440 Speaker 2: kind of what you guys are doing leading into going 37 00:01:57,480 --> 00:01:58,360 Speaker 2: to West Palm. 38 00:01:58,520 --> 00:02:02,360 Speaker 1: You know, for example, today we had five live BPS, right, 39 00:02:02,440 --> 00:02:06,560 Speaker 1: so pitchers are already stretched out where some of the 40 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:08,720 Speaker 1: guys who you know start you know, will start pitching 41 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaker 1: in first game of screen training. We already have some 42 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:14,120 Speaker 1: of those guys already built up, you know, prepare for 43 00:02:14,120 --> 00:02:18,160 Speaker 1: for those and you know there's batting practice. You know 44 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:21,080 Speaker 1: they are two ways, working left field, taking some ground balls, 45 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:25,000 Speaker 1: You're gone, He's been there for almost two months getting ready. 46 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:29,320 Speaker 1: He's knee feels phenomenal. Uh So, so, you know, is 47 00:02:29,320 --> 00:02:33,079 Speaker 1: that energy of the excitement and you start talking about expectations. 48 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:36,120 Speaker 1: I start talking some of those guys about roles and 49 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:39,079 Speaker 1: some of the young players being around some of the veterans, 50 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:42,360 Speaker 1: what it's like going to the very first Major league 51 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:46,360 Speaker 1: spring training? What is it like? And you know, we 52 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:48,359 Speaker 1: get kids all the way from rookie level who live, 53 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:51,919 Speaker 1: you know, live in Houston, who we opened the doors 54 00:02:51,919 --> 00:02:54,920 Speaker 1: for them to come in and be part of the workouts, 55 00:02:54,960 --> 00:02:58,919 Speaker 1: and our players engage with them and they embraced them 56 00:02:58,960 --> 00:03:01,119 Speaker 1: as like they know each other for a very long time. 57 00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:05,040 Speaker 1: So the dynamic is it's great, and it's it's my 58 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:08,920 Speaker 1: favorite part of leading into spring training because there's a 59 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:10,799 Speaker 1: lot of good feedback that you get from the guys. 60 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:14,160 Speaker 1: Anybody's in a great mood. You feel like the guys 61 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:18,560 Speaker 1: are ready to start playing like tomorrow. So it opens 62 00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:21,680 Speaker 1: the door for some really good conversations. So uh, you know, 63 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:24,080 Speaker 1: it's in a matter of days, you guys will see 64 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:27,440 Speaker 1: some of that eximement. When those guys take the field, Joe. 65 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:31,880 Speaker 3: We were debating yesterday with Josh Reddick, and you seem 66 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:35,120 Speaker 3: like the perfect person to ask. I was wondering if 67 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,760 Speaker 3: Altuve has his own outfield glove, yeah, or if he 68 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:41,160 Speaker 3: was borrowing it. Do you know who's was he using 69 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:41,520 Speaker 3: out there? 70 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:44,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, he's actually using your downs right now because the 71 00:03:44,680 --> 00:03:48,480 Speaker 1: one mass is not broken in yet, so he's been 72 00:03:48,560 --> 00:03:51,440 Speaker 1: he's been using your downs. Okay, that's good. 73 00:03:51,520 --> 00:03:53,200 Speaker 3: That was our investigative journalism. 74 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:56,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's uh, he's doing he's doing a 75 00:03:56,720 --> 00:03:59,280 Speaker 1: pretty good job. It's been fun, you know, getting him, 76 00:03:59,360 --> 00:04:02,440 Speaker 1: you know, getting the working and you know, seeing if 77 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:05,720 Speaker 1: that's something that we can, uh that we can can 78 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:08,680 Speaker 1: you know explore and and and and be be a 79 00:04:08,680 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 1: weapon for us these season. So we'll see how it 80 00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:12,000 Speaker 1: goes the next couple of weeks. 81 00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:16,960 Speaker 3: What what lessons did you learn from your first you know, 82 00:04:17,080 --> 00:04:20,359 Speaker 3: spring training as a as a manager that you know, 83 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:22,720 Speaker 3: some changes maybe that you wanted to make this year 84 00:04:22,760 --> 00:04:24,599 Speaker 3: or something that you really wanted to focus on, something 85 00:04:24,600 --> 00:04:27,159 Speaker 3: that you know went really well, Like what how do 86 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:30,040 Speaker 3: you feel better prepared this year than maybe last year? 87 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:32,560 Speaker 1: You know what I thought like when it comes like 88 00:04:32,760 --> 00:04:35,560 Speaker 1: spring training specific I thought we had a really good 89 00:04:35,600 --> 00:04:38,159 Speaker 1: spring training last year. For me, the toughest part was 90 00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: handing the keys to the or to the preparation to 91 00:04:42,080 --> 00:04:47,240 Speaker 1: Jason Bell and Omar, delegating those responsibilities, getting the day 92 00:04:47,279 --> 00:04:49,960 Speaker 1: to day things like plan and you know, I've been 93 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:52,719 Speaker 1: around uh, they've been around me for a couple of years, 94 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:55,320 Speaker 1: so they kind of know how I like screen training 95 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:57,520 Speaker 1: to be run. But I think they did a really 96 00:04:57,520 --> 00:05:01,320 Speaker 1: good job. You know, this year, we have some younger 97 00:05:01,360 --> 00:05:04,040 Speaker 1: players in camp. We're going to be competing for some jobs, 98 00:05:04,080 --> 00:05:06,039 Speaker 1: so we're going to spend a little bit more time 99 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:09,040 Speaker 1: on some fundamentals early. I'm going to get those young 100 00:05:09,040 --> 00:05:12,240 Speaker 1: players some playing time early. You're going to see some 101 00:05:12,400 --> 00:05:16,040 Speaker 1: players playing back to back days right away. I'm asking 102 00:05:16,080 --> 00:05:18,280 Speaker 1: them to come in ready to compete from day one 103 00:05:18,279 --> 00:05:21,120 Speaker 1: because I want to give them significant amount of at 104 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:24,640 Speaker 1: bats for us to evaluate them. So you guys going 105 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:26,080 Speaker 1: to see that. But there's going to be a little 106 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:29,320 Speaker 1: bit you know, attention to small details something that I think, 107 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:32,479 Speaker 1: you know, for us to sustain winning when we're a 108 00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:35,360 Speaker 1: really good team, we do small things really well offensively, 109 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:40,080 Speaker 1: defensively on the pitching side. So I was able to 110 00:05:40,120 --> 00:05:43,400 Speaker 1: write some things down during the season that I think 111 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:47,120 Speaker 1: as a manager, I could do a better job emphasizing 112 00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:48,560 Speaker 1: those things during spring training. 113 00:05:49,760 --> 00:05:51,640 Speaker 2: Joe, you and I talked about this last year. You're 114 00:05:51,640 --> 00:05:55,640 Speaker 2: a big journaler. You keep a journal, you write every day. 115 00:05:56,800 --> 00:05:59,520 Speaker 2: I guess as this offseason kind of settled in and 116 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:01,720 Speaker 2: you moved away from the wild Card Series, did you 117 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:03,840 Speaker 2: go back and read that and how much did you 118 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:06,560 Speaker 2: kind of take away from your first year as a 119 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:09,320 Speaker 2: major league manager, maybe that when you had time to 120 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:11,960 Speaker 2: decompress and sit down and kind of really think about 121 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:14,640 Speaker 2: it from April to October. 122 00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:17,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, you know, so, so there was there was you know, 123 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:19,200 Speaker 1: when I keep my journal there, you know, have a 124 00:06:19,200 --> 00:06:24,120 Speaker 1: little bookmark in certain areas by color, you know, some red, blue, white, 125 00:06:24,240 --> 00:06:28,600 Speaker 1: you know, red meaning you know, things were heated and 126 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:33,160 Speaker 1: emotionally more than, you know than what would happening on 127 00:06:33,240 --> 00:06:35,040 Speaker 1: the field. You know, there was moments where we were 128 00:06:35,040 --> 00:06:39,320 Speaker 1: playing well and I was still trying to, you know, emotionally, 129 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:44,800 Speaker 1: keep keep myself, you know, lining you know, moving forward. 130 00:06:45,560 --> 00:06:47,360 Speaker 1: So it's not it's not so much how things were 131 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:50,919 Speaker 1: going to baseball field. It's just more how can I 132 00:06:50,960 --> 00:06:53,920 Speaker 1: control my emotions? How can I help my players? Control 133 00:06:53,960 --> 00:06:57,719 Speaker 1: your emotions. So so I kind of cut those you know, 134 00:06:57,960 --> 00:06:59,680 Speaker 1: book market and then I like to go back and 135 00:06:59,720 --> 00:07:02,880 Speaker 1: read it things that I do that day, or or 136 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:06,240 Speaker 1: a Bible verse that I that you know, that I 137 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:08,320 Speaker 1: that I wrote that day that helped me get through 138 00:07:08,440 --> 00:07:12,760 Speaker 1: some tough moments, conversation with players that were key, they 139 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:16,360 Speaker 1: were impactful that I think turn things around. You know, 140 00:07:16,360 --> 00:07:18,000 Speaker 1: I do a little check mark this is something I 141 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:20,320 Speaker 1: could do moving forward, something that it worked that were 142 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:23,800 Speaker 1: for me between me and that player. So I do all, 143 00:07:23,960 --> 00:07:25,800 Speaker 1: you know, I like doing those things. You know, it 144 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:28,240 Speaker 1: helps me turn the page. But also going back and 145 00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:33,680 Speaker 1: and uh, you know, make changes, make adjustment, you know, 146 00:07:34,680 --> 00:07:37,480 Speaker 1: for me moving forward, to for me to build my 147 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:40,160 Speaker 1: you know, put myself in a better position moving forward. 148 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:44,080 Speaker 2: I think a lot of fans see the role of 149 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:47,120 Speaker 2: a manager like they look at your in game decisions. 150 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:49,480 Speaker 2: They look at when you when you take the starter out, 151 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:52,400 Speaker 2: when you pinch hit, things like that, the tactical decisions. 152 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:54,640 Speaker 2: But and you can tell me if I'm right or 153 00:07:54,640 --> 00:07:56,160 Speaker 2: wrong on this, but I think the job of a 154 00:07:56,200 --> 00:08:00,880 Speaker 2: modern manager is so much more about communication and keeping 155 00:08:00,880 --> 00:08:03,800 Speaker 2: in touch with your players. And Mike, what what I 156 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,640 Speaker 2: wondered this off season. There's a lot of stuff that 157 00:08:06,720 --> 00:08:09,360 Speaker 2: went on this offseason just in terms of transactions that 158 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:12,560 Speaker 2: I don't think we would have thought was going to 159 00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:15,560 Speaker 2: happen when the season ended in November, whether it was 160 00:08:15,640 --> 00:08:18,640 Speaker 2: you know, trading Kyle Tucker, was trading Ryan Presley, it 161 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:21,960 Speaker 2: was signing Christian Waller. I guess how much are you 162 00:08:22,040 --> 00:08:24,600 Speaker 2: are the players maybe contacting you in the offseason to 163 00:08:24,680 --> 00:08:26,960 Speaker 2: kind of say, hey, Joe, what's going on here? And 164 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:30,920 Speaker 2: what were those conversations like when when two big pieces 165 00:08:30,920 --> 00:08:33,680 Speaker 2: of the clubhouse and Kyle Tucker and Ryan Presley, Uh, 166 00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:35,480 Speaker 2: you guys had to had to move on from them. 167 00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:38,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, So you know, like you know, the first part 168 00:08:38,080 --> 00:08:41,040 Speaker 1: of your question about you know, like the fans and 169 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:44,200 Speaker 1: and you know questioning my move decisions I make. And 170 00:08:44,240 --> 00:08:46,960 Speaker 1: that's you know, that's part of it, right, That's the 171 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:50,560 Speaker 1: that's the part they see every day, and that's you know, 172 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,840 Speaker 1: that's what they pay for when they go to the 173 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:56,440 Speaker 1: ballpark is to watch their team play, right, and it 174 00:08:56,480 --> 00:08:59,360 Speaker 1: what's your team play and win? So if their team 175 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:02,280 Speaker 1: is not winning, I understand that my responsibility. I'm going 176 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:03,760 Speaker 1: to take some of that heat because I'm the one 177 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:06,160 Speaker 1: who's riding the lineup on making some of those decisions. 178 00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:09,400 Speaker 1: For me, I'll look at it more. I want to 179 00:09:09,440 --> 00:09:12,400 Speaker 1: make sure the players understand the position that I'm in 180 00:09:12,520 --> 00:09:15,280 Speaker 1: making those decisions, why I make those decisions. You know, 181 00:09:15,480 --> 00:09:18,640 Speaker 1: being in a position of leadership, being the manager, sometimes 182 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:22,120 Speaker 1: you're going to make the tough decisions on people that 183 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:25,320 Speaker 1: you care about. You know, I care about all my players, 184 00:09:26,040 --> 00:09:28,520 Speaker 1: but as the manager, I'm going to make decisions that 185 00:09:28,559 --> 00:09:31,800 Speaker 1: they might not like. But my door is always open. 186 00:09:31,840 --> 00:09:35,199 Speaker 1: We always talk about them. We have some heated discussion, 187 00:09:35,320 --> 00:09:39,080 Speaker 1: and that's fine, that's welcomed. You know, in a healthy family, 188 00:09:39,120 --> 00:09:41,000 Speaker 1: in a healthy relationship, there's going to be days where 189 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,800 Speaker 1: you're going to have those back and forth. And I've 190 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:47,160 Speaker 1: seen this team, been around them for eight years, and 191 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:50,000 Speaker 1: it has happened with every manager because these players are 192 00:09:50,040 --> 00:09:53,280 Speaker 1: passionate and they want to win. So I knew coming 193 00:09:53,280 --> 00:09:56,079 Speaker 1: into this job that just because it's me and I've 194 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:59,040 Speaker 1: been here longer than all the coaches, that things were 195 00:09:59,080 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 1: going to be different. No ever expect that to be 196 00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:04,520 Speaker 1: the case. I knew that that's their that's their character, 197 00:10:04,640 --> 00:10:07,120 Speaker 1: and that's their personality. So I knew it was going 198 00:10:07,160 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 1: to happen. I just knew how to absorb that conversation 199 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:14,079 Speaker 1: when he came that way, because I build some relationship 200 00:10:14,120 --> 00:10:16,480 Speaker 1: with some of those players, and you know when he 201 00:10:16,600 --> 00:10:21,120 Speaker 1: comes to conversation with the players when we're making those moves. Absolutely, 202 00:10:21,240 --> 00:10:25,800 Speaker 1: these players are you know, their their family. These players, 203 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:28,520 Speaker 1: they play with each other for so long that they 204 00:10:28,960 --> 00:10:31,439 Speaker 1: they don't want any of them to go ever go away, 205 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:35,400 Speaker 1: but they also recognize that it's going to happen. We 206 00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:39,120 Speaker 1: have had incredible players. You mentioned Josh Reddick in the 207 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:43,520 Speaker 1: beginning of our conversation, Colos Correa, you know, one of 208 00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:46,199 Speaker 1: the best, one of the best players I've ever coached 209 00:10:46,720 --> 00:10:50,520 Speaker 1: on You know, this guy was the leader on the field. 210 00:10:50,559 --> 00:10:53,920 Speaker 1: This guy he thought as you know, he think as 211 00:10:53,960 --> 00:10:56,960 Speaker 1: a GM. He was like, he's super smart. Like when 212 00:10:56,960 --> 00:10:59,920 Speaker 1: he left, there was a void left in our club, 213 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:04,520 Speaker 1: you know, Julie Gurriel, George Springer, all these great players 214 00:11:04,679 --> 00:11:08,320 Speaker 1: have left the club, and our players understand that's going 215 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:12,280 Speaker 1: to happen. We were a good team then and we 216 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:16,560 Speaker 1: steal a good team now. So they know that when 217 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:20,439 Speaker 1: when that happens, opportunities up and up for some other 218 00:11:20,520 --> 00:11:25,520 Speaker 1: younger players, and happened Carlos left. Here comes Jeremy Reddick Springer, 219 00:11:25,559 --> 00:11:28,840 Speaker 1: here comes Tucker, Here comes to Jake Myers, like, we 220 00:11:28,960 --> 00:11:31,960 Speaker 1: have this next way for players that have able to 221 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:35,280 Speaker 1: produce and and play well on major level for us 222 00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:39,360 Speaker 1: to continue the success. But absolutely, phone calls, text messages, 223 00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:41,840 Speaker 1: in the middle of the night, we go, I go 224 00:11:41,880 --> 00:11:43,719 Speaker 1: to the stadium. What's going on? That's the first thing 225 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:45,760 Speaker 1: they asked me was, go, where are we with with Braggie? 226 00:11:45,760 --> 00:11:48,080 Speaker 1: Where are we with this guy? This rumor is real. 227 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:53,319 Speaker 1: Channel Room is tweeting this, and I'm like, listen, I 228 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:58,200 Speaker 1: can you know, And I try to give them, you know, 229 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:02,679 Speaker 1: information that that as the manager I could give them. 230 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:05,440 Speaker 1: You know, there's other stuff that right that discussions that 231 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:08,200 Speaker 1: we have in the front office with that, I must 232 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:12,040 Speaker 1: keep that to myself. But I try to be transparent 233 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:15,400 Speaker 1: and honest with them because they they know that at 234 00:12:15,440 --> 00:12:17,120 Speaker 1: the end of the day, we all all this together. 235 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:22,439 Speaker 3: Yeah, you mentioned, you know, with kind of some voids 236 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:27,080 Speaker 3: there that you know, the Astros organization has seen waves 237 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:30,000 Speaker 3: of young players coming in, and it feels like this year, 238 00:12:30,559 --> 00:12:33,640 Speaker 3: you know, this is a time for another wave of 239 00:12:34,080 --> 00:12:38,080 Speaker 3: young players coming in, whether it's you know Cam Smith, right, 240 00:12:38,280 --> 00:12:42,079 Speaker 3: or Bryce Matthews or Zach Dezenzo or whoever. But as 241 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:45,040 Speaker 3: you're kind of prepping for the year, you're thinking about 242 00:12:45,760 --> 00:12:47,760 Speaker 3: spring training and then the roster that you're going to 243 00:12:47,760 --> 00:12:49,720 Speaker 3: build out, Like who are you looking at? Who are 244 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:52,680 Speaker 3: you really excited about that You're you know, you've got 245 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:56,280 Speaker 3: really high expectations for for this season. 246 00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:59,360 Speaker 1: So you know those three names you mentioned, you know 247 00:12:59,480 --> 00:13:03,120 Speaker 1: they are don't get opportunities to play a lot early 248 00:13:03,160 --> 00:13:07,600 Speaker 1: in camp, and we expect those guys, you know, they're 249 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:11,520 Speaker 1: they're really close. You know you mentioned Ken Smith. You 250 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:13,679 Speaker 1: know we love his potential. I think this guy's got 251 00:13:13,679 --> 00:13:15,880 Speaker 1: an opportunity to be an all start for for many 252 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:19,560 Speaker 1: many years. Same thing with Bryce Decenso Melton. You know, 253 00:13:19,640 --> 00:13:24,480 Speaker 1: we have pieces that are that can turn into the 254 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:28,960 Speaker 1: next wave of players that can that can sustain, you know, 255 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:32,439 Speaker 1: and can allow us to continue to move forward and 256 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:35,959 Speaker 1: be smart about how we attack free agency and how 257 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:39,280 Speaker 1: we use our financial means to maintain this group to 258 00:13:39,320 --> 00:13:41,880 Speaker 1: get you know, maintain winning together for a long time. 259 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:45,319 Speaker 1: So we need player development. I think for me, player 260 00:13:45,400 --> 00:13:49,840 Speaker 1: development is the foundation of a successful organization. Like it's 261 00:13:50,240 --> 00:13:52,679 Speaker 1: player development, Like if you get these players coming and 262 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:56,440 Speaker 1: you get them in the winning culture and they know, okay, 263 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:59,199 Speaker 1: it's my turn. Here we go. You know, that's how 264 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:04,000 Speaker 1: we've done it as I've been here. So that's it's 265 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:07,360 Speaker 1: imperative that we continue to have this discussion front office, 266 00:14:07,400 --> 00:14:11,080 Speaker 1: the coaching staff, me with the players, given them opportunities 267 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:16,200 Speaker 1: so we can really have an opportunity to evaluate, uh, 268 00:14:16,440 --> 00:14:19,000 Speaker 1: these players. You know, this year, that's my first year 269 00:14:19,040 --> 00:14:21,200 Speaker 1: and manager, right, I'm trying to win as many's game 270 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:25,080 Speaker 1: as possible. First month, first forty five fifty games to 271 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:28,560 Speaker 1: not go as planned. So I find myself where you know, 272 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:31,680 Speaker 1: here comes kids from don't like kids who have were 273 00:14:31,720 --> 00:14:34,120 Speaker 1: not ready. You know, I'm not going to say they 274 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:37,200 Speaker 1: were ready, but they were not on our radar yet. 275 00:14:37,480 --> 00:14:39,240 Speaker 1: We knew that there were a year or two away, 276 00:14:39,800 --> 00:14:42,920 Speaker 1: but here to come. And I'm like, oh my goodness, okay, 277 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:47,920 Speaker 1: I'm digging video trying to get to know some individuals 278 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:51,160 Speaker 1: because adding that expect him to be there. So that's 279 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:54,240 Speaker 1: an adjustment that I'll make this year where you know, 280 00:14:54,320 --> 00:14:58,680 Speaker 1: you have your a group and there's the potential if 281 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:03,080 Speaker 1: you know something into that second tier of prospects are coming. 282 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:04,920 Speaker 1: Let me make sure that I die you know, I 283 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:07,640 Speaker 1: dive in in case and emergency happens to a pitcher, 284 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:10,560 Speaker 1: reliever or an infielder. This is my next way. So 285 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:12,440 Speaker 1: let me go and get to know this kid a 286 00:15:12,440 --> 00:15:14,440 Speaker 1: little bit more doing screen training. Let me go down 287 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:17,160 Speaker 1: to the mono league side and get to know some 288 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 1: of these guys. Let me watch some more video. So 289 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:22,160 Speaker 1: that's something that I have made that adjustment, so you know, 290 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 1: hopefully doesn't happen again, but if he does, I'd be 291 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:28,520 Speaker 1: in a better spot to make decisions and put those 292 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:30,320 Speaker 1: players in a position for them that could be the 293 00:15:30,400 --> 00:15:31,680 Speaker 1: best versuse on themselves. 294 00:15:32,840 --> 00:15:35,240 Speaker 2: You went down to Puerto Rico to see two of 295 00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:37,880 Speaker 2: the three guys we just talked about, Zach Decenzo and 296 00:15:37,920 --> 00:15:43,040 Speaker 2: Bryce Matthews. Two real quick, two kind of specifics on them. Bryce. 297 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:45,880 Speaker 2: We had Bryce on our podcast a couple of weeks ago, 298 00:15:45,920 --> 00:15:48,120 Speaker 2: and he's he's a great kid, great to talk to. 299 00:15:48,280 --> 00:15:52,480 Speaker 2: Really enjoyed the conversation we had with him. Defensively, where 300 00:15:52,840 --> 00:15:55,880 Speaker 2: do you project him maybe at the next level defensively. 301 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:58,160 Speaker 2: I know we played a couple of different places in 302 00:15:58,160 --> 00:16:00,520 Speaker 2: the minor leagues and in Puerto Rico, and then Zach 303 00:16:00,560 --> 00:16:03,600 Speaker 2: Descenzo obviously left fields a place where you guys are 304 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:06,200 Speaker 2: gonna probably have to cycle through some some guys. How 305 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:08,520 Speaker 2: did he look in the outfield and do you think 306 00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:10,680 Speaker 2: that's a place where he can contribute at the big 307 00:16:10,760 --> 00:16:11,640 Speaker 2: league level next year? 308 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:14,320 Speaker 1: Yeah? So, you know, yeah, I took a trip to 309 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:17,120 Speaker 1: Puerto Rico and you know, got a chance to watch 310 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:19,880 Speaker 1: his two kids. I was there for four days, and 311 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:22,800 Speaker 1: they play. They play really well. The sense of play 312 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:28,040 Speaker 1: some left field in first base, you know, the senso 313 00:16:28,160 --> 00:16:30,720 Speaker 1: in spring training will be playing, so we'll be getting 314 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:33,000 Speaker 1: some playing time in both corners, left field and right 315 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:36,960 Speaker 1: super athletic. I think, I think he's got the ability 316 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:40,680 Speaker 1: to do it. So we are going to explore this 317 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 1: possibility on him being playing in the corner out fields 318 00:16:43,240 --> 00:16:45,400 Speaker 1: for us. He's also going to be, you know, playing 319 00:16:45,400 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 1: some first base. I don't want to abandon that, uh 320 00:16:49,360 --> 00:16:52,840 Speaker 1: ability for him to to play multiple positions, because he's 321 00:16:52,840 --> 00:16:55,920 Speaker 1: capable of doing those things. So I really love the bat, 322 00:16:55,960 --> 00:16:59,640 Speaker 1: I love the makeup. But this kid super athletic, you know. 323 00:16:59,760 --> 00:17:03,960 Speaker 1: So I'm excited about what Zach can can can do 324 00:17:04,119 --> 00:17:06,679 Speaker 1: for for this team this year when it comes to surprise. 325 00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:11,280 Speaker 1: You're right, he's a terrific kid, super humble, great too, 326 00:17:11,720 --> 00:17:14,439 Speaker 1: he's great to talk to. You know, he's he's so 327 00:17:15,520 --> 00:17:18,520 Speaker 1: he's so talented, he's so tools he said, he's hard 328 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:21,000 Speaker 1: to say. Okay, he could end up he's going to 329 00:17:21,119 --> 00:17:23,240 Speaker 1: end up being here. He's going to end up playing 330 00:17:23,280 --> 00:17:26,719 Speaker 1: there because he can. We just don't know. He did 331 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:29,359 Speaker 1: play some really good second base in Puerto Rico. That 332 00:17:29,359 --> 00:17:33,080 Speaker 1: that was exciting because when I when I saw him, 333 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:36,680 Speaker 1: he felt like, Okay, that's home, like Atlanta, in a 334 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:41,680 Speaker 1: place where he was comfortable. He moved around with confidence, 335 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:46,680 Speaker 1: and he finished some plays where average who above average 336 00:17:46,680 --> 00:17:49,120 Speaker 1: players might not be finishing in the big league levels, 337 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:52,800 Speaker 1: Like he's that athletic. And but he also plays some 338 00:17:52,840 --> 00:17:56,159 Speaker 1: third base. He played third base really well. So you know, 339 00:17:56,359 --> 00:17:57,879 Speaker 1: right now I'm going to bring him camp, I'm going 340 00:17:57,960 --> 00:17:59,959 Speaker 1: to put him some second base. I'm going to keep 341 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:03,920 Speaker 1: him up the middle. But he's a tough one because 342 00:18:03,960 --> 00:18:06,119 Speaker 1: he can. You know he can. He can do a 343 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:09,119 Speaker 1: lot of things on the baseball field, and you know, 344 00:18:09,400 --> 00:18:12,000 Speaker 1: the back comes around. He's someone who's also nooking on 345 00:18:12,119 --> 00:18:13,040 Speaker 1: he's knocking on the door. 346 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:16,720 Speaker 2: I've laid my eyes on both of those guys, like 347 00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:19,359 Speaker 2: watch them play so I have kind of a vision 348 00:18:19,400 --> 00:18:22,639 Speaker 2: of what they look like. I've never seen Cam Smith 349 00:18:22,680 --> 00:18:26,399 Speaker 2: play baseball. I've only seen videos and you know, I 350 00:18:26,440 --> 00:18:28,040 Speaker 2: don't know if you saw the picture he took with 351 00:18:28,119 --> 00:18:31,600 Speaker 2: Kyle with Kyle, Yeah, he trains with Kyle Tucker in 352 00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:33,240 Speaker 2: the off season. They took a picture a couple of 353 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:36,199 Speaker 2: weeks ago and it kind of went viral. Tucker is 354 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:39,520 Speaker 2: not a small guy and Cam Smith is like. 355 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:43,280 Speaker 1: He is a big dude. 356 00:18:43,359 --> 00:18:47,200 Speaker 2: Like, can you kind of if you've the what you've 357 00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:50,120 Speaker 2: seen of him, how does he move for that size 358 00:18:50,119 --> 00:18:52,680 Speaker 2: and can you kind of just give us a scouting 359 00:18:52,720 --> 00:18:55,199 Speaker 2: report on what you guys have here in Cam Smith. 360 00:18:55,680 --> 00:18:58,520 Speaker 1: Well, you know I have talked to him over the 361 00:18:58,520 --> 00:19:01,560 Speaker 1: phone a few times. I've seeing those videos and we 362 00:19:01,680 --> 00:19:05,800 Speaker 1: get a few more from him doing the workouts on 363 00:19:05,840 --> 00:19:11,840 Speaker 1: our on our channel. So you know, he's he's got 364 00:19:11,920 --> 00:19:17,119 Speaker 1: potential to be, you know, one of those you know, 365 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:21,320 Speaker 1: this guy can carry your team for years. He's got 366 00:19:21,359 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 1: that potential, right. You know, I I like to be 367 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:27,880 Speaker 1: careful how I work this because I don't want him, 368 00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:30,520 Speaker 1: you know, coming into Kim thinking that he's got to 369 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:33,560 Speaker 1: happen tomorrow. No, you know, we are going Cam Smith 370 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:36,639 Speaker 1: is going to let us know when he's ready to 371 00:19:36,720 --> 00:19:42,040 Speaker 1: be the guy. Right But you know he can play 372 00:19:42,480 --> 00:19:45,560 Speaker 1: he could play third base. I think he's athletic enough 373 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:48,720 Speaker 1: to play corner outfields. But right now he's going to 374 00:19:48,760 --> 00:19:50,560 Speaker 1: come in. I'm going to play him at third because 375 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:55,520 Speaker 1: that's his natural position. You know, he moves so well 376 00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:59,119 Speaker 1: for a guy his size that that's why you know, 377 00:20:00,040 --> 00:20:02,320 Speaker 1: you just don't you just don't know right where he's 378 00:20:02,320 --> 00:20:03,919 Speaker 1: going to end up, because he's going to tell you 379 00:20:04,119 --> 00:20:07,760 Speaker 1: he's there's so much potential that I think we just 380 00:20:07,800 --> 00:20:10,720 Speaker 1: got to go slow and let him tell us where 381 00:20:10,720 --> 00:20:12,640 Speaker 1: he's going to end up. But the bat is special. 382 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:17,800 Speaker 1: It's right center field power. This guy knows his zone. 383 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:23,119 Speaker 1: He's you know, my conversation with you could hear the 384 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:27,040 Speaker 1: humility and how genuine he is about wanting to be 385 00:20:27,320 --> 00:20:32,439 Speaker 1: part of you know, Diastros organization and uh you know 386 00:20:33,040 --> 00:20:37,120 Speaker 1: his uh he's agent. He's saying Tucker agent. So it's 387 00:20:37,240 --> 00:20:39,359 Speaker 1: there is all these things that I'm like, you know what, 388 00:20:39,800 --> 00:20:41,439 Speaker 1: be nice. This guy just turned out just to be 389 00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:44,760 Speaker 1: like a Kyle Tucker, you know, passionate about on to 390 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:47,280 Speaker 1: this young kids. When he comes to you know, production 391 00:20:47,560 --> 00:20:50,679 Speaker 1: and but you know, I don't want us to be 392 00:20:50,800 --> 00:20:54,439 Speaker 1: all the Ken Smith because you know, we want to 393 00:20:54,520 --> 00:20:56,439 Speaker 1: give an opportunity for him to develop. It's not a 394 00:20:56,440 --> 00:20:59,800 Speaker 1: faintished product. And and you know I have to make 395 00:20:59,840 --> 00:21:02,600 Speaker 1: that very clear with them. Just you know, We're just 396 00:21:02,640 --> 00:21:04,800 Speaker 1: going to go into spring training and I'm going to 397 00:21:04,840 --> 00:21:07,560 Speaker 1: give you opportunities to play and relax and go show 398 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:09,520 Speaker 1: us what you what we fell in love with. 399 00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:13,600 Speaker 3: Right, Yeah, there's a there's gonna be a couple of 400 00:21:13,600 --> 00:21:16,080 Speaker 3: new guys that fans are going to see every day 401 00:21:16,640 --> 00:21:20,280 Speaker 3: in the lineup too, in the infield, right with east 402 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:25,120 Speaker 3: Oparates and Christian Walker. Uh, you know, I know we're 403 00:21:25,280 --> 00:21:27,240 Speaker 3: about to go to spring training where're gonna be able 404 00:21:27,240 --> 00:21:28,200 Speaker 3: to see them every day. 405 00:21:28,240 --> 00:21:30,280 Speaker 1: But what do you like about those guys? How do 406 00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:30,920 Speaker 1: you think they're. 407 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:33,920 Speaker 3: Gonna you know, change the makeup of the team in 408 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:34,960 Speaker 3: the lineup this year? 409 00:21:35,480 --> 00:21:38,919 Speaker 1: You know, immediately when when we when we acquire you know, 410 00:21:39,080 --> 00:21:42,080 Speaker 1: when we signed Walker and Peretis, I immediately go to 411 00:21:42,600 --> 00:21:46,160 Speaker 1: you know, their bat in our ballpark, it is made 412 00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:50,639 Speaker 1: for minute may right, their pull power, how hard they 413 00:21:50,680 --> 00:21:52,359 Speaker 1: hate the ball in the air. I also like the 414 00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:55,199 Speaker 1: fact that they see a ton of pitches. You know, 415 00:21:55,320 --> 00:22:00,960 Speaker 1: they they're not early swingers. You know, they have a 416 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:03,919 Speaker 1: pretty good idea of what equality of that looks like. 417 00:22:04,359 --> 00:22:07,480 Speaker 1: And you know, in the beginning of our season we 418 00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:09,399 Speaker 1: kind of got away from that and it took us 419 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:12,679 Speaker 1: a while to get going. But when we are at 420 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:16,960 Speaker 1: dynamic elite offense, we bitch you in different multiple ways. Right, 421 00:22:16,960 --> 00:22:20,959 Speaker 1: we can walk, we can hit for power. You know, 422 00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:22,840 Speaker 1: we could you know, grind our backs and we can 423 00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:26,080 Speaker 1: get a base it. I feel like we got down 424 00:22:26,160 --> 00:22:28,719 Speaker 1: early in the year in the record and we were 425 00:22:28,760 --> 00:22:31,960 Speaker 1: trying to do too much, trying to get down in 426 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:34,320 Speaker 1: the game early in runs, and we were trying to 427 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:36,520 Speaker 1: do way too much, and we got away from our 428 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:39,760 Speaker 1: identity who we are, what makes us great. But these 429 00:22:39,760 --> 00:22:44,960 Speaker 1: two guys fit right in on our style, right, and 430 00:22:45,040 --> 00:22:48,679 Speaker 1: we're gonna we see pitches we hit small, hard, passing 431 00:22:48,720 --> 00:22:51,600 Speaker 1: the baton mentality. I think these two guys are capable 432 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:55,760 Speaker 1: of doing that. And you know, also like Walker's defense, 433 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:59,040 Speaker 1: I don't think you know, I know everybody's aware of 434 00:22:59,080 --> 00:23:02,520 Speaker 1: how good he his difference being his defense has been 435 00:23:02,560 --> 00:23:06,600 Speaker 1: four years. But I remember when when we had that, uh, 436 00:23:06,720 --> 00:23:09,879 Speaker 1: that big run. We're winning all those you know, Championship Series, 437 00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:12,359 Speaker 1: World Series. You know, we had to go globe first 438 00:23:12,359 --> 00:23:16,040 Speaker 1: basement in Yulie and how better, how much better he 439 00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:18,320 Speaker 1: made everyone around the infield and you could just catch 440 00:23:18,359 --> 00:23:21,000 Speaker 1: the ball and just throw it over there because he's 441 00:23:21,040 --> 00:23:24,120 Speaker 1: just gonna make you that much better, you know, right 442 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:27,200 Speaker 1: now are with you know, four of our five starters 443 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:31,600 Speaker 1: are our righties, so there's there's gonna be this this 444 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:37,000 Speaker 1: you know, lefty heavy lineup creation against some of our writings, 445 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:39,879 Speaker 1: you know, so having that right side of the infield 446 00:23:40,040 --> 00:23:45,600 Speaker 1: sealed with Walker, it's important, right Uh So that's you know, 447 00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:48,960 Speaker 1: one of the reasons why bringing like a coach like 448 00:23:49,040 --> 00:23:53,879 Speaker 1: Tony Perrachica, who's an incredible infield instructor, just a different voice, 449 00:23:53,960 --> 00:23:58,400 Speaker 1: just to make sure that we we're not losing anything 450 00:23:58,480 --> 00:24:00,920 Speaker 1: when he comes to paying attention into details when he 451 00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:03,920 Speaker 1: comes to our defense. And I think he was also 452 00:24:03,960 --> 00:24:05,800 Speaker 1: another good addition for for our club. 453 00:24:07,080 --> 00:24:11,919 Speaker 2: You this sounds odd when as of this recording you 454 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:14,520 Speaker 2: do not have the goal glove third basement on your 455 00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:16,760 Speaker 2: roster that you had last year. Who knows that could 456 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:19,280 Speaker 2: change by the time this you hear this, that could change. 457 00:24:19,280 --> 00:24:24,199 Speaker 2: Who knows? Do you feel maybe better about your in 458 00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:28,440 Speaker 2: your defensive infield as it is constructed right now than 459 00:24:28,480 --> 00:24:32,280 Speaker 2: maybe you did last year, even with losing or perhaps 460 00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:34,159 Speaker 2: losing glove third basement. 461 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:37,000 Speaker 1: Yeah, you're right, you know, you know it would be 462 00:24:37,560 --> 00:24:41,840 Speaker 1: be great if I'm landing there Monday, and you know, 463 00:24:42,240 --> 00:24:44,639 Speaker 1: I go in my office and I'm drawing my lineups 464 00:24:44,680 --> 00:24:48,000 Speaker 1: and right and but like you said, you never know, right, 465 00:24:48,080 --> 00:24:51,080 Speaker 1: so we'll see what happens. But I do feel better 466 00:24:52,119 --> 00:24:57,119 Speaker 1: because of you know, the pieces that I have and 467 00:24:57,400 --> 00:24:59,040 Speaker 1: some of the young kids that we're going to bring 468 00:24:59,080 --> 00:25:05,119 Speaker 1: to camp who are in case something happens like in 469 00:25:05,160 --> 00:25:08,120 Speaker 1: field death. It's actually pretty good. Like we signed some 470 00:25:08,320 --> 00:25:10,879 Speaker 1: guys free agent that I feel like, you know, something happened, 471 00:25:10,920 --> 00:25:14,479 Speaker 1: something happens too, and Altuva paying your paradis like we 472 00:25:14,560 --> 00:25:18,360 Speaker 1: do have pieces that we can you know, hold us 473 00:25:18,400 --> 00:25:23,560 Speaker 1: together defensively. So but yeah, I do feel pretty good 474 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:26,040 Speaker 1: going to camp right now with with the guys that 475 00:25:26,080 --> 00:25:28,840 Speaker 1: we have, you know, a Pennsylvani in our lineup. 476 00:25:29,640 --> 00:25:31,720 Speaker 2: I wanted to ask you about paying you real quick, 477 00:25:31,800 --> 00:25:34,199 Speaker 2: not about his defense because his is the aside from 478 00:25:34,240 --> 00:25:36,439 Speaker 2: about that two week stretch last year where he was 479 00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:40,480 Speaker 2: where he was going through it his defense has remained elite. Yes, 480 00:25:41,680 --> 00:25:44,360 Speaker 2: everyone kind of saw what he did as a rookie, right, 481 00:25:44,560 --> 00:25:48,720 Speaker 2: I mean, he did things that were unprecedented and perhaps 482 00:25:49,040 --> 00:25:53,720 Speaker 2: set an expectation maybe publicly that it. I mean, when 483 00:25:53,760 --> 00:25:56,320 Speaker 2: you win the World Series MVP as a rookie, it's 484 00:25:56,440 --> 00:25:59,840 Speaker 2: really hard to live up to that expectation going And 485 00:26:00,119 --> 00:26:03,439 Speaker 2: it's not as if he's been a disappointment by any means, 486 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:06,520 Speaker 2: but I wonder kind of you know, he hit twenty 487 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:09,160 Speaker 2: five homers as a rookie, and he's had twenty two 488 00:26:09,359 --> 00:26:13,040 Speaker 2: in the last two seasons. The slug has not been 489 00:26:13,119 --> 00:26:17,199 Speaker 2: where it was as a rookie, but the bats have 490 00:26:17,280 --> 00:26:21,040 Speaker 2: looked better. He's swinging a better pitches. He's not chasing 491 00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:25,000 Speaker 2: a ton of sliders. You see the maturation there, even 492 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:27,960 Speaker 2: if it's not translating to maybe the slug or maybe 493 00:26:28,000 --> 00:26:31,480 Speaker 2: the batting average of the ops. Where are you looking 494 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:34,679 Speaker 2: for him to maybe take the next step offensively? Are 495 00:26:34,720 --> 00:26:36,760 Speaker 2: do you? Are you okay with kind of the path 496 00:26:36,840 --> 00:26:39,240 Speaker 2: he's traveling in his offensive game? 497 00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:43,480 Speaker 1: You know what? I I think he you said a 498 00:26:43,560 --> 00:26:47,040 Speaker 1: couple of things that I that I think the game 499 00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:53,359 Speaker 1: changing aspect of his oh, his maturity, which is it's 500 00:26:53,400 --> 00:26:57,200 Speaker 1: for me is about approach. I think he's still learning. 501 00:26:57,240 --> 00:27:00,879 Speaker 1: He's swinging, and every player, every player goes through this 502 00:27:00,960 --> 00:27:02,359 Speaker 1: the first three or four years of the bit because 503 00:27:02,359 --> 00:27:07,080 Speaker 1: they're trying to I just learning their body, how the 504 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:10,520 Speaker 1: body moves, and you know, the pictures are making adjustment 505 00:27:10,560 --> 00:27:12,679 Speaker 1: to him, you got to make adjustments. So for me, 506 00:27:12,840 --> 00:27:15,200 Speaker 1: I think he's in the right path. I think if 507 00:27:15,200 --> 00:27:19,520 Speaker 1: he continues to lay off the sliders, you know, being 508 00:27:19,560 --> 00:27:24,760 Speaker 1: on time with fastballs. I think he swings sometimes because 509 00:27:24,760 --> 00:27:28,639 Speaker 1: there's some movement. If he can continue to simplify and 510 00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:31,119 Speaker 1: find a spot where he can start his swing and 511 00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:35,680 Speaker 1: and repeat it for months instead of or I got 512 00:27:35,720 --> 00:27:37,280 Speaker 1: it for two weeks and then all of a sudden 513 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:41,000 Speaker 1: doesn't feel right, and then it can. It takes him 514 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:43,160 Speaker 1: a little bit, a little bit longer to get back 515 00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:47,200 Speaker 1: in there. But he's he's finding, he's finding, he's riddle. 516 00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:49,920 Speaker 1: I think it's off season. He's starting to make adjustments 517 00:27:49,920 --> 00:27:52,880 Speaker 1: where he understands, you know, we have conversation with him 518 00:27:52,920 --> 00:27:56,200 Speaker 1: about this is what twenty twenty four look like, this 519 00:27:56,280 --> 00:27:58,240 Speaker 1: is what twenty twenty five should look like. If you 520 00:27:58,359 --> 00:28:03,040 Speaker 1: make you know, does adjustments the key for Penya. He's 521 00:28:03,040 --> 00:28:07,199 Speaker 1: so coachable, he's he's someone that listens and and I 522 00:28:07,240 --> 00:28:09,959 Speaker 1: think is eventually is going to happen. I was actually 523 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:12,679 Speaker 1: talking to someone the other day and they they asked me, 524 00:28:13,280 --> 00:28:15,960 Speaker 1: who's going to be that player that you pick is 525 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Speaker 1: going to have? Like I could see who's like you 526 00:28:20,119 --> 00:28:23,359 Speaker 1: pick to click and for me is for me is 527 00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:27,160 Speaker 1: you know? I told the person Jeremy Penya, because I 528 00:28:27,200 --> 00:28:29,760 Speaker 1: think he's the next guy that I also see stepping 529 00:28:29,840 --> 00:28:32,119 Speaker 1: up and being kind of the bucal leader in our club. 530 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:36,720 Speaker 1: You know, he's that guy that when we are doing 531 00:28:36,800 --> 00:28:40,640 Speaker 1: our meetings and we're walking around the clubhouse, he's he's 532 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:44,560 Speaker 1: he wants to be the guy say you know, but 533 00:28:44,560 --> 00:28:47,240 Speaker 1: but he sees the breakman's and he sees the other 534 00:28:47,320 --> 00:28:51,400 Speaker 1: guys as being there longer. But I think if you know, 535 00:28:51,880 --> 00:28:54,600 Speaker 1: not if Briakman does not return, I could see Jeremy 536 00:28:54,640 --> 00:28:57,920 Speaker 1: being a little bit more like, you know, hey, maybe 537 00:28:57,960 --> 00:29:00,080 Speaker 1: we could we try to do this because he's done it. 538 00:29:01,000 --> 00:29:03,920 Speaker 1: But I think you could probably see him kind of 539 00:29:04,440 --> 00:29:06,800 Speaker 1: taking that next step forward in that leadership for a 540 00:29:06,880 --> 00:29:09,880 Speaker 1: role in the clubhouse, and it'd be phenomenal because you 541 00:29:09,880 --> 00:29:12,600 Speaker 1: know that shortstop middling fielder, you usually are the ones 542 00:29:12,640 --> 00:29:17,040 Speaker 1: who are have that that personality and a zene there. 543 00:29:17,560 --> 00:29:20,200 Speaker 1: So I could see him being that dude this year 544 00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:23,080 Speaker 1: where he's having a monster year on the field, and 545 00:29:23,120 --> 00:29:27,680 Speaker 1: also we're talking about having conversations about you know, you know, 546 00:29:28,480 --> 00:29:30,920 Speaker 1: conversation he's had with some of the players are standing 547 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:33,760 Speaker 1: up and and having like a little team meeting, you know. 548 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:36,080 Speaker 1: So I could see Jeremy being being that guy. 549 00:29:37,800 --> 00:29:40,880 Speaker 2: You make a lot of difficult decisions every day, but 550 00:29:40,920 --> 00:29:43,200 Speaker 2: I think that if I'm just looking at the roster 551 00:29:43,320 --> 00:29:45,200 Speaker 2: you have, I think next year, maybe one of the 552 00:29:45,280 --> 00:29:47,440 Speaker 2: more difficult ones you'll have earlier in the year is 553 00:29:47,440 --> 00:29:51,680 Speaker 2: how to configure your outfield on a daily basis. We've 554 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:55,240 Speaker 2: obviously we've litigated the L two A left field stuff enough. 555 00:29:55,560 --> 00:29:59,480 Speaker 2: I guess I'm more I'm more fascinated by Chas and 556 00:29:59,560 --> 00:30:03,840 Speaker 2: Jake what they need to do to take the next 557 00:30:03,840 --> 00:30:08,880 Speaker 2: step to really solidify a spot. And with that, how 558 00:30:08,960 --> 00:30:12,120 Speaker 2: much is Jacob Melton knocking on the door to maybe 559 00:30:12,200 --> 00:30:14,360 Speaker 2: provide some pressure or some competition there. 560 00:30:15,040 --> 00:30:20,640 Speaker 1: Yeah, you know what, I can't. I think that it's consistency. 561 00:30:20,800 --> 00:30:24,120 Speaker 1: I think those guys, they you know, they show what 562 00:30:24,160 --> 00:30:28,440 Speaker 1: they're capable of doing for you know, for Spurs, and 563 00:30:28,520 --> 00:30:30,440 Speaker 1: you know he's in there. I just want him just 564 00:30:30,520 --> 00:30:34,480 Speaker 1: to be more consistent when he comes to offensive approach. 565 00:30:35,200 --> 00:30:38,520 Speaker 1: And if they do that, you could see solid production 566 00:30:38,600 --> 00:30:41,240 Speaker 1: out of those guys for you know, throughout the whole 567 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:44,160 Speaker 1: entire season. So it's just a matter of just you know, 568 00:30:44,760 --> 00:30:48,520 Speaker 1: confidence making the adjustments that we ask them to do 569 00:30:48,600 --> 00:30:52,880 Speaker 1: this offseason and if they do, you know, getting the 570 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:55,080 Speaker 1: getting the chats that we saw in twenty two and 571 00:30:55,120 --> 00:31:00,280 Speaker 1: twenty three, it's super important for our club. Yeah. 572 00:31:00,320 --> 00:31:02,920 Speaker 3: And then you know, finally you mentioned you know, those 573 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:06,280 Speaker 3: in game decisions where you know, even though that's not 574 00:31:06,880 --> 00:31:10,280 Speaker 3: the majority of what you do as a as a manager, 575 00:31:10,480 --> 00:31:13,680 Speaker 3: it does play a huge role kind of in game right, 576 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:17,000 Speaker 3: And and the bullpen's going to look different this year too. 577 00:31:17,080 --> 00:31:19,000 Speaker 3: You've got you know, kind of your back end of 578 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:22,560 Speaker 3: the bullpen solidified. But as you're looking to this year, 579 00:31:22,600 --> 00:31:24,800 Speaker 3: who are who are the guys that you're you know, 580 00:31:24,840 --> 00:31:28,080 Speaker 3: outside of you know, Hater and Upbrad, you that you're 581 00:31:28,440 --> 00:31:32,680 Speaker 3: really looking and needing to rely on in the bullpens? 582 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:34,800 Speaker 3: You know, how do how do you configure that kind 583 00:31:34,800 --> 00:31:35,840 Speaker 3: of going into the year. 584 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:38,560 Speaker 1: Well, you know, those guys will get they'll get some 585 00:31:38,600 --> 00:31:43,440 Speaker 1: opportunities in spring training. Uh, you know guys who've done it. 586 00:31:43,560 --> 00:31:46,360 Speaker 1: Last year. I tell Scott he had he has big, 587 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:49,200 Speaker 1: some big innings for us last year. He you know, 588 00:31:49,280 --> 00:31:51,800 Speaker 1: he's a guy that I trust him in high leverage spot. 589 00:31:51,880 --> 00:31:54,040 Speaker 1: You know, Brian King, I thought he threw the ball 590 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:57,320 Speaker 1: really really well. He's going to be also big getting 591 00:31:57,320 --> 00:31:59,640 Speaker 1: some good looks and and for me, the guy that 592 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:02,080 Speaker 1: I I'm excited about, and he's been coming here to 593 00:32:02,400 --> 00:32:05,320 Speaker 1: uh the stadium the last couple of weeks, it's fors Whitley. 594 00:32:05,400 --> 00:32:08,400 Speaker 1: You know, his arm looks really good and hopefully he's 595 00:32:08,440 --> 00:32:11,880 Speaker 1: he's he's ready and and he's able to showcase and 596 00:32:11,920 --> 00:32:16,120 Speaker 1: perform the way we've been we've been see it, you know, 597 00:32:16,200 --> 00:32:18,239 Speaker 1: viewing for for the last couple of years. So you know, 598 00:32:18,560 --> 00:32:20,239 Speaker 1: we'll we'll get a we'll get a good look at 599 00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:23,000 Speaker 1: those young kids in spring training. But they're all going 600 00:32:23,080 --> 00:32:24,880 Speaker 1: to have to step up and get the ball and 601 00:32:25,080 --> 00:32:28,840 Speaker 1: some big spots because they we we needed to step up. 602 00:32:28,840 --> 00:32:30,880 Speaker 1: It's time for them to to do, you know, take 603 00:32:30,920 --> 00:32:33,040 Speaker 1: that role and and and and help us win some 604 00:32:33,040 --> 00:32:33,880 Speaker 1: some games. 605 00:32:34,560 --> 00:32:37,200 Speaker 2: Force Whitley is one of the very few people, uh 606 00:32:37,680 --> 00:32:40,440 Speaker 2: coming into camp that pre date you in this in 607 00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:43,600 Speaker 2: this organization. He was here before U, before you were 608 00:32:43,720 --> 00:32:47,040 Speaker 2: Joe one final one before we sign off. Because Tyler 609 00:32:47,040 --> 00:32:48,719 Speaker 2: and I were talking about this on a on a 610 00:32:48,720 --> 00:32:52,560 Speaker 2: previous episode and when when everything about al Tuove being 611 00:32:52,560 --> 00:32:55,040 Speaker 2: willing to change positions came out, you know, we talked 612 00:32:55,040 --> 00:32:58,640 Speaker 2: about Tyler and I that al Tuove is in an 613 00:32:58,640 --> 00:33:01,280 Speaker 2: echelon where he could very easily just say, you know, 614 00:33:01,320 --> 00:33:03,120 Speaker 2: and I'm not I'm not moving off second baby, like 615 00:33:03,960 --> 00:33:06,720 Speaker 2: I've done. He could point to the nine All Star teams, 616 00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:09,480 Speaker 2: to the MVP, to everything he has done for this city, 617 00:33:09,520 --> 00:33:12,920 Speaker 2: for this franchise, and he could, for lack of a 618 00:33:12,960 --> 00:33:15,280 Speaker 2: better word, be a diva. He could say that's my position, 619 00:33:15,360 --> 00:33:18,600 Speaker 2: I'm not moving off. But we talked about it, and 620 00:33:19,040 --> 00:33:23,080 Speaker 2: he's probably the most team first athlete I think I've 621 00:33:23,200 --> 00:33:26,880 Speaker 2: ever been around, and Joe, you've been around a lot more. 622 00:33:26,920 --> 00:33:28,760 Speaker 2: I mean, you worked in New York for a long time, 623 00:33:28,880 --> 00:33:30,760 Speaker 2: You've been in a lot of organizations, been around a 624 00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:34,640 Speaker 2: lot of different people. How how how accurate is that? 625 00:33:34,720 --> 00:33:38,080 Speaker 2: Like how team first is Jose Altuve? And how rare 626 00:33:38,240 --> 00:33:41,200 Speaker 2: is that from a guy that has accomplished as much 627 00:33:41,240 --> 00:33:43,760 Speaker 2: as he has accomplished and made as much money as 628 00:33:43,800 --> 00:33:44,480 Speaker 2: he has made. 629 00:33:44,880 --> 00:33:48,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, and people don't Yeah, and people don't talk about that. 630 00:33:48,600 --> 00:33:50,520 Speaker 1: You know. For me, you know, I turn a TV 631 00:33:50,680 --> 00:33:52,880 Speaker 1: on and I listened to some of the reporting going 632 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:55,760 Speaker 1: on in some of these networks and stuff, and you know, 633 00:33:56,160 --> 00:33:58,640 Speaker 1: suggesting that a Tui should not be doing this, should 634 00:33:58,680 --> 00:34:00,400 Speaker 1: not be doing that. He's a Hall of Fame player, 635 00:34:00,480 --> 00:34:03,680 Speaker 1: he's doing you know, and they're not in one of 636 00:34:03,720 --> 00:34:08,000 Speaker 1: those comments they think about the team, like he's doing 637 00:34:08,040 --> 00:34:12,280 Speaker 1: this for the team, Altuov. He is a Hall of famer, 638 00:34:12,920 --> 00:34:16,080 Speaker 1: but he wants to be known and he wants to 639 00:34:16,680 --> 00:34:18,440 Speaker 1: go down, you know, want to finish his career on 640 00:34:18,840 --> 00:34:22,239 Speaker 1: a winning club. So he's like, Joe, I'll do it 641 00:34:22,840 --> 00:34:26,000 Speaker 1: if he's going to help us win. So that right 642 00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:28,360 Speaker 1: there just tells you the character and the individual and 643 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:35,279 Speaker 1: the leadership of Osel tub you know. So I, you know, 644 00:34:35,360 --> 00:34:39,879 Speaker 1: seeing it, you know, I'm not surprised by it. But yeah, 645 00:34:40,040 --> 00:34:41,600 Speaker 1: like he could have easily said, Joe, you know what, 646 00:34:41,600 --> 00:34:42,920 Speaker 1: I don't think it's a good idea. I don't think 647 00:34:42,920 --> 00:34:44,279 Speaker 1: this is what's best for me. And I'm not going 648 00:34:44,280 --> 00:34:48,000 Speaker 1: to do it. And but before we kick the tires 649 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:49,480 Speaker 1: on this, we sat down with him and said, oh, 650 00:34:49,680 --> 00:34:52,880 Speaker 1: what do you think about possibility you're playing some outfield 651 00:34:52,920 --> 00:34:56,920 Speaker 1: and opening you know, second base to getting some guys 652 00:34:56,920 --> 00:35:00,359 Speaker 1: in there some playing time. Not I mean you dying 653 00:35:00,520 --> 00:35:04,719 Speaker 1: left field for fifty sixty games. And he's like, Joe, 654 00:35:04,840 --> 00:35:07,759 Speaker 1: that's what makes us better. I'm I'm all in. So 655 00:35:08,239 --> 00:35:09,959 Speaker 1: we down that path and we see how he goes. 656 00:35:11,239 --> 00:35:11,560 Speaker 1: He did. 657 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:14,279 Speaker 2: Uh, it's the season hasn't even started yet, but he 658 00:35:14,320 --> 00:35:16,759 Speaker 2: did probably deliver the best quote of the season at 659 00:35:16,760 --> 00:35:19,040 Speaker 2: fan Fest when a reporter asked him if he had 660 00:35:19,040 --> 00:35:22,080 Speaker 2: ever played outfield before, and he just worked back. Have 661 00:35:22,160 --> 00:35:22,680 Speaker 2: you seen me? 662 00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:27,960 Speaker 1: Yeah? That And you know who asked that question? 663 00:35:28,680 --> 00:35:29,680 Speaker 2: I did not It was not me. 664 00:35:29,960 --> 00:35:30,520 Speaker 1: It was not me. 665 00:35:31,840 --> 00:35:34,479 Speaker 2: It was actually, I don't know who it was someone 666 00:35:34,560 --> 00:35:36,960 Speaker 2: standing behind me. So I didn't turn around and look. 667 00:35:37,040 --> 00:35:40,919 Speaker 2: But he handled it. He handled Yeah, he doesn't show 668 00:35:40,960 --> 00:35:42,160 Speaker 2: it a lot, but he's pretty funny. 669 00:35:42,520 --> 00:35:44,319 Speaker 1: Yeah, no, no, he is. He's got it. He's got 670 00:35:44,320 --> 00:35:46,920 Speaker 1: a sense of humor. He also got a little it's 671 00:35:46,920 --> 00:35:49,120 Speaker 1: got a little red as in him too. You know, 672 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:52,839 Speaker 1: you don't want to see him get pissed off. He's 673 00:35:52,880 --> 00:35:55,359 Speaker 1: got a little bit of you know, anger to his 674 00:35:55,880 --> 00:35:59,920 Speaker 1: to his personality when he disliked something or something happens 675 00:36:00,080 --> 00:36:02,600 Speaker 1: that it tipped him off, he's got a little bit 676 00:36:02,600 --> 00:36:04,320 Speaker 1: of he's got a little bit of anger at him. 677 00:36:04,840 --> 00:36:08,080 Speaker 2: Well, hopefully that doesn't Hopefully that doesn't manifest itself this year. 678 00:36:08,120 --> 00:36:12,080 Speaker 2: Hopefully it's hopefully it's a better start, and hopefully hopefully 679 00:36:12,120 --> 00:36:14,640 Speaker 2: you guys don't have to see jose L two VA's 680 00:36:14,719 --> 00:36:20,040 Speaker 2: red ass come out. But again, we really appreciate you 681 00:36:20,080 --> 00:36:22,520 Speaker 2: taking some time to be with us, and we know 682 00:36:22,719 --> 00:36:24,319 Speaker 2: this is such a busy time of year for you. 683 00:36:24,440 --> 00:36:28,200 Speaker 2: And safe travels to West Palm Beach where I will 684 00:36:28,200 --> 00:36:31,600 Speaker 2: see you on Tuesday. I believe I know you're excited 685 00:36:31,640 --> 00:36:37,040 Speaker 2: about that. So again, thank you to everybody that's watching, listening. 686 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:40,680 Speaker 2: Please rate and review us on Apple, Please subscribe on YouTube. 687 00:36:40,960 --> 00:36:43,520 Speaker 2: We will be back next week, like I said, we'll 688 00:36:43,520 --> 00:36:46,520 Speaker 2: be in West Palm Beach, Florida with pitchers and catchers 689 00:36:46,560 --> 00:36:49,680 Speaker 2: reporting on Wednesday and their first workout on Thursday. Thanks guys, 690 00:36:50,320 --> 00:36:50,440 Speaker 2: all 691 00:36:50,520 --> 00:36:52,000 Speaker 1: Right, thank you appreciate it.