Philly rejoices: Ed Wade finally canned

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 8:07 pm

NEXT UP: GETTING BILL GILES TO SELL THE TEAM

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- Ed Wade was fired as general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday after failing to get them into the playoffs during his eight years on the job.

"This was a very difficult decision. No one works harder than Ed, and he has served this organization extraordinarily well for over 16 years," team president David Montgomery said in a statement.

"At the same time, we have not been able to achieve the goals we have set for the Phillies. As a result, I believe we have reached a point where a change is necessary."

Philadelphia finished this season at 88-74, one game behind NL wild-card winner Houston.

The Phillies haven't reached the playoffs since 1993, and have won just one championship (1980) in the franchise's 123-year history.

Wade, 49, has two years remaining on his contract and it's unknown whether he'll remain in the organization. He was very unpopular in Philadelphia, especially after he hired Charlie Manuel as manager to replace Larry Bowa.

Though the Phillies were in the playoff chase the entire season, fans never really warmed up to them. Attendance at two-year-old Citizens Bank Park dropped off by almost 600,000, down from 3.25 million in 2004.

Wade replaced Lee Thomas in March 1998 after serving an assistant for Thomas for eight years.

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 8:08 pm

This is good news, indeed.

Will Cashmen get fired?

Funkywhiteboy · Post by **Funkywhiteboy** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:45 pm

More importantly, will "Cholly" be back? :P

helmet · Post by **helmet** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:47 pm

Doubt it. Montgomery said the new GM would be able to pick his own manager. Unless they stay in house, he's gone.