Wade makes splash in Houston

Ed Wade wasted no time making waves in Houston.

The recently hired Astros general manager swung his first important deal Wednesday at the General Manangers Meetings in Florida, sending former All-Star closer Brad Lidge and utility player Eric Bruntlett to Philadelphia for outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary and third base prospect Mike Costanzo.

Trading Lidge was a move that had to be made. Regardless of what he said to reporters, it was clear he never regained his footing following the postseason home runs he allowed to Albert Pujols and Scott Podsednik in 2005.

Lidge needed a change of scenery in the worst way possible and, under the old regime, was not given that chance. Given the timing, the bounty Houston received is probably maximum value.

Bourn is a speedster who can cover plenty of ground in center field and will allow the Astros to slide Hunter Pence to right field. Geary is a solid arm to plug into the Houston bullpen, although right now, there doesn't seem to be a worthy closer candidate on the roster. Finally, Costanzo is a power-hitting prospect who has had trouble adjusting defensively to third base. If he develops into an adequate defensive third baseman and maintains his offensive career path, the Astros will come out winners in the deal.