Houston’s Ed Wade Knew What He Was Doing When He Traded Brad Lidge

When Houston Astros General Manager Ed Wade traded closer Brad Lidge and utility player Eric Bruntlett to the Phillies for Michael Bourn, righthanded reliever Geoff Geary, and third-base prospect Mike Costanzo in 2007, he must have known what he was doing.

When talking to reporters recently, one reporter noticed the absence of 2008 calendars in Wade’s office.

“We got a quality center fielder in Bourn,” said Wade, noting the speedy outfielder’s .291 average and 46 stolen bases.

“Brad Lidge did a fine job for us and I know he is going through some hard times, but this was a quality for quality trade,” Wade said, wryly smiling.

“But what about Lidge’s 2008 season?” said a Houston reporter.

“2000 and what?” Wade said. “He pitched for us in 2007, then has…um, er, not been as good this year as 2007.”

“But Bourn hit .229 in 2008, while Lidge …” the reporter said, but was cut off by Wade.

“2000 and what?” Wade said. “I don’t know what you are taking about. OK, it’s 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009.”

“But the Phillies’ World Series?” the reporter said.

“Yes, yes, indeed,” Wade said. “Dallas Green did a good job of whipping those boys into shape and beating Kansas City in the World Series.”

“But, why,” Wade continued, “Are you talking about the past?”

“Do you think the Phillies will continue to pitch Lidge in the closer’s role?” the reporter asked.

“Why the Albert Pujois are you talking about a player not on our team?,” Wade demanded. “How about that Michael Bourn?”

“Yes, he is having a nice year,” the exasperated reporter said.

Having enough, the reporter started to exit the room.

“Eh, excuse me,” Wade said to the reporter. “How is President George Bush doing these days? He is doing a fine job running our country.”