Given the crapshoot that is baseball drafting, Wade should be congratulated for hitting on his first-rounders, considering how many first-rounders become busts (*cough*) Tim Purpura (*cough*). Give me one Hamels or Rollins or Utley added to the system every year and I'd be a happy man.

There are some legitimate criticisms of Wade but just remember the Astros improved by 13 wins form last year with an overhauled roster that clearly had Wade's imprint on it. Maybe in 3-4 years we'll understand the hate Phillie fans seem to have for this guy (or maybe less time if he signs David Bell to another megadeal) but, after one year in Houston, he rates a B+ or better in my book.

Don't forget that a lot of managers/GMs improve with the second or third job. Joe Torre was a crummy manager with the Mets. Bill Belichick was fired as head coach of the Browns before coming to New England. Terry Francona got the ax with the Phillies before winning championships with the Red Sox, etc.

"We don't do anything easy. We're the Astros." - Craig Biggio