Joe Espada to meet with Seattle Mariners about manager's job

With manager Joe Espada 's status still uncertain, the Houston Astros have granted the Seattle Mariners permission to speak with Espada about the managerial opening in Seattle, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed Tuesday. Espada, the Astros' manager the last three seasons, is not under contract for next year and his current contract is set to expire at the end of October. Espada is still being considered to return as Houston's manager, a person with knowledge said, as the Astros have not made any official decisions about their managerial job.