Ex-Astros general manager Ed Wade has decided to rejoin the Phillies as a special consultant to the baseball operations department.
The Phillies announced the official hiring Tuesday.
An MLB source told Examiner.com at the Winter Meetings in Dallas that Wade would likely return to Philadelphia in some form of capacity due to his relationship with general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
It was just a matter of finding the right role.
According to the Phillies, Wade will assist in salary arbitration consultation, as well as scout at the major and minor league levels.
Wade, who spent eight seasons (1998-2005) as the Phillies general manager, was relieved of his duties with the Astros last month after spending four years as the club's general manager.
During his tenure with Philadelphia, several impact players were drafted on Wade's watch, including Pat Burrell, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Brett Myers, Cole Hamels and Ryan Madson.
He also hired current skipper Charlie Manuel.
Several of Wade's players played a crucial role in leading the Phillies to a World Series title in 2008 -- their first in nearly 30 years.
When former Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. hired Wade as the team's general manager on Sept. 20, 2007, Houston was two years removed from appearing in the World Series for the first time.
McLane expected the Astros to be playoff contenders, which caused Wade to deal Brad Lidge to the Phillies, sign veteran Kaz Matsui and acquire Miguel Tejada and Jose Valverde via trade.
Ultimately, the Astros didn't contend.
After a two-season period (2008-09) of not advancing to the postseason, the Astros began a rebuilding effort by trading icons Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman prior to the July 2010 non-waiver deadline.
This eventually led to the trades of Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Jeff Keppinger last season, as Houston continues to focus on scouting and player development and getting younger.
The Astros hired new GM Jeff Luhnow two weeks ago.
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