Astros Coach Joe Espada and Gabe Kapler Interviewing for Cubs Managerial Job This Week

One Astro is riding the momentum of a Game 2 ALCS win into the potential next chapter of his baseball life.

Joe Espada, Houston's 44-year-old bench coach and the former third base coach of the New York Yankees, will be traveling to Chicago during the off day to interview for their managerial vacancy.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada is interviewing with the Cubs today for their manager job.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) October 14, 2019

Houston's bench coach spot has already proven to be a springboard to high-profile managerial gigs, with Alex Cora creating a vacancy after the 2017 season after departing for Boston (and immediate glory).

Espada's a different voice than the rumored Cubs options, with Joe Girardi and other retreads previously thought to be front-runners.

In addition to Espada, the team will also be speaking with former Phillies skipper Gabe Kapler, whose analytical style did NOT jive with the hard-nosed folks of Philadelphia.

Cubs to interview Gabe Kapler and Joe Espada this week for their managerial position. Should be final two candidates.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) October 14, 2019

Espada has been a fringe candidate for plenty of jobs over the past few years, and hopefully, with so many vacancies ahead of him this season, he'll find a gap to fill.

Kapler would probably be better served taking a year off.