Error of my ways

Today, I, a beleaguered Astros fan, type with my head bowed, and with a heart full of regret. Yesterday I wrote some very unkind words about the General Manager of the Houston Astros, Edward Wade. As a passionate fan, I wanted the very best for my favorite baseball club, and when I felt the team was headed in the wrong direction, I spoke out. Rashly. Too rashly. Coming into this week I thought, (although some would say you need a brain to think, something that is still in doubt)that given our present place in the standings, perhaps it would be prudent to move a number of our veteran players for a few minor leaguers. Ya know, building blocks, stepping stones to a new generation of Astros baseball. How wrong I was. Red Sox send in a scout to take a look at some of our relievers, possibly even Miguel Tejada?? Rebuffed! And rightfully so- tell them to go jump in the Charles River. We don't need prospects from the team that has built two World Series Champions on the strength of their minor league system. Youkilis. Papelbon. Ellsbury. Lester. Lowrie. Moss. Masterson. Pedroia. Buchholz. Yea, well..I'll see that, and raise you: Pence. Towl..no, wait Hunter Pence. Ummm...Etc. Take a deep breath. Going through the names of players produced by our minor league teams can be both exhausting and exhilerating. Ready to go on? Ok. Sure, we didn't get any young talent, and sure, this club ages by the day- but so do younger teams like the Red Sox. It's true. Everyone ages at the same rate. Don't believe me- here, stuff this prediction in your hookah and then smoke it: At 9:53 AM on Saturday, August 2, 2008 we will all be exactly one day older. I shit you not. Same goes for Major Leaguers. I won't even limit it to the Red Sox and Astros: Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Tim Lincecum- all will be one day older tomorrow. So will Doug Brocail. Ditto Darin Erstad. See where I'm going with this?? The Astros' complete disregard for young players is well founded.

At this point, Ed Wade has turned the baseball universe on its head and spun it like a top. You'd think that would be enough for one man to accomplish in a week's time. But not ol' Eddie. Nosiree. He's scheming. Planning.

What is he planning, you may ask? Maybe somebody should send Ed a text telling him that this isn't like the NBA draft lottery- we don't have a shot at getting the first pick in the draft unless we have the worst record. And unless these personnel moves were made in order for us to los....oh, Ed, you're good, you're good. I seemed to have discovered another plan of Ed's: for us to leapfrog (backwards leapfrog to be exact) the Washington Nationals/Seattle Mariners for the worst record in baseball. Be that as it may, let's take a look at his deadline moves. Therein lies his true plan. A pattern quickly comes into focus:

Alberto Arias claimed off waivers from Colorado

LaTroy Hawkins obtained in exchange for minor league second baseman Matt Cusick

What did Ed do last offseason? Revamped our bullpen. Added a number of guys who can fill multiple roles in our relief corps. Do you see what's devloping here??

Peer into the looking glass, people

It's been fairly obvious to some that Ed's been trying to be cutting edge this entire time. His recent trades prove that. He understands that it is both more cost effective and talent effective to have four starters and have his relief pitchers start the fifth game in the rotation. Call us prophetic, call us soothsayers, call us visionaries. Now Ed has wisened up. I was dumb for not seeing the writing on the wall, when I lambasted him. I'm sorry, Mr. Wade. Truly. Sorry.

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