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He's right Ed Wade is brand new and it will take awhile to see his impact. He's not known for being the best major league GM, but is great at evaluating talent and development (see Phillies current roster). This team stinks because of a combination of Tim Purpura and good ol' Uncle Drayton. McLane has let the payroll rise close to and over 100 million around 2004-2006. This year it's down to 89 million, I think, but that's not his fault, he is paying Kazuo Matsui 16.5 over the next 3 years. However, it has been said that McLane hinders the front office, a bit too much. Personally, I like to see the owner take a hands on approach to his investment, I think he's a great owner. His major fault, however, is he has failed to open his pockets come draft time. This was the case when Houston failed to sign third round pick Derek Dietrich last august, Houston's first pick. Signing players, like Carlos Lee and Woody Williams, while not offering arbitration to the likes of Roger Clemens, and Andy Pettitte have taken away Houston's early picks anyways. They've also traded away prospects for major leaguers, like Josh Anderson for Villarreal, Anderson who's tearing up AAA, and could replace the struggling Bourn. Yes, struggling Bourn! I said it, raise that average! Or the deal the gave Jose Valverde. Houston's inability to raise prospects to the major league level, has been the kryptonite recently. However, here stands the turn of the tide. Houston has five picks in the first three rounds of this year's draft, including the number ten overall. They also have expert Ed Wade on their side. So, Houston's prospect drought should end. Otherwise I feel this team has it right now. In fact, other than the last two seasons, they've been the fifth most successful franchise the last decade and a half. So, I don't see why you are complaining.
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