Common sense rode a white horse into Houston, and the horse kicked Ed Wade in the head. Well, once. Ed has of course been trampled repeatedly by stupid fat kids riding on ponies, but Wade is suddenly very mouthy and taking full responsibility for what turned out to be the Bill Hall debacle.

I thought the Hall signing was curious to begin with, but I didn't think it was an obviously horrible move... well, that is until it turned out the Astros didn't bother to sign anyone else of note.

Ed Wade knows he's about to get run out of town, and he's trying to show that he can be quick and decisive when it comes to cleaning up the messes he makes. It's too late for that, Matsui, er, Ed.

I'm just glad Ed was upfront about this poor signing, and took responsibility for it. Prior to that, speculation on who was responsible for the move surely would have centered on Wade's assistants and his secretary, who were clearly responsible for the signings of Kaz Matsui, Pedro Feliz, Shawn Chacon, Jose Cruz Jr., and Mike Hampton. Wait, Mike Hampton? Yes, that's real. It happened in 2009. I sometimes forget about that one. I hope that assistant got fired quickly, because that was an embarrassment.

Give it up, Ed. It's too late. There's nothing you can do to save your job. Right Mr. Crane? RIGHT, MR. CRANE?