10 Years Later: How the Houston Astros Got to This Point

How Ed Wade Redeemed Himself and Saved the Organization

Aug 17, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Houston Astros first baseman

(28) round the bases after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The Astros defeated the Red Sox 8-1. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The trades in 2010 were not pretty, and Ed Wade’s tenure was sure to be short-lived. However, he had another chance to save grace in 2011. This was a year that a lot of us probably already forgot. Seriously what is there really to be happy for in those 2011-2013 seasons on the field? The Astros lost 100 games for the first time in history, scoring only 615 runs. Carlos Lee was looking like a grandpa fast, and a rebuilding  effort had to take place. Two key trades took place, Michael Bourn went to the Braves, and Hunter Pence went to the Phillies. These trades took a fanbase that was down, to done with the team.

The trades marked a new beginning for the Astros, and the diehards for the most part understood. The mainstream fans remained unhappy. Hunter Pence signified hope, hustle, a fan-friendly guy, and a player you build a team around. However, Pence stood no chance of re-signing with the Astros during a rebuild and needed to be shipped.

The return for Pence was steep, Jon Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Josh Zeid, and Domingo Santana were all shipped to Houston. This trade alone could signify a legacy that Wade left behind for future general manager Jeff Luhnow. Singleton is the first baseman of the future (fingers crossed), Cosart netted top prospect Colin Moran, Santana is a toolsy guy that holds high value, and Zeid well, we can’t win them all.

With the 11th overall selection in the 2011, draft Bobby Heck and Ed Wade went with George Springer. Springer is just getting his feet wet in the majors, but has become the face of the new Astros with a ceiling higher than any offensive prospect in some time. Whether it was ultimately Wade’s decision or not to make Springer his guy, he should still get credit for yet again sending this team in the right direction. Despite a rash of solid moves by Jeff Luhnow in recent times, where is this team right now without Springer being on the roster? I’ll tell you what, the writers are not predicting over 77 wins.

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