It was expected that there wouldn't be a lot of changes to the Houston Astros entering the upcoming season.
The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" firmly applies to this franchise right now after making it to an American League-record seven straight ALCS appearances.
However, with Dusty Baker retired and Joe Espada taking over as manager, maybe it shouldn't be too surprising that some tweaks might be made.
Espada's philosophy and actions are going to differ a bit from Baker's, no matter what the mentor relationship was and how close the two are.
Astros fans will be seeing that by way of the lineup as Yordan Alvarez will have a different spot in the order compared to in years past.
According to Michael Shapiro of Chron.com, Espada said that he plans on putting the superstar slugger in the second spot of their lineup instead of his usual third position.
The reasoning behind this is to give one of the best hitters in the game more opportunities at the plate.
"... the move from No. 3 to No. 2 will generate an extra 20-to-40 plate appearances in a given season. Perhaps the extra trips will lead to Alvarez surpassing the 40-home-run threshold for the first time in his career in 2024," writes Shapiro.
Another important factor at play is Alvarez is entering the season fully healthy for the first time in three years. The knee pain that has been plaguing him is reportedly gone.
With more offseason focus specifically on baseball things instead of rehab, the slugger is poised for a monstrous season.
No wonder Espada is trying to generate as many opportunities for Alvarez at the plate as possible.
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