Have Astros done it again?

I’m going to give Houston Astros GM Ed Wade the benefit of the doubt.

He MUST know something the rest of us don’t.

How could you otherwise explain today’s trade in which the Astros acquired shortstop Miguel Tejada from the Baltimore Orioles for Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate and recently acquired prospect Mike Constanzo?

Tejada is still a talented player, and his bat will make the Astros a bit more dangerous at the plate. But giving up youngsters Patton AND Albers, when quality pitching is at a premium…?

Sarfate, a flamethrower, is an intriguing talent. And Scott, 29, hit as many homers (18) as the 31 year-old Tejada last season.

Wade is either a genius or he’s come down with a severe case of Purpuritis.