Wade takes fall, out as Philly GM

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.

The Phillies went 88-74 this season and finished one game behind N.L. wild-card winner Houston, and attendance dropped by more than a half-million.

“I think public perception is a big part when you talk about selling,” Wade, 49, said. “… If the decision was based on the performance of the club, obviously not getting into postseason is a big role in that, but I also think the fact that I became a lightning rod for criticism for the organization, with me out of the picture, it makes things easier from that respect.”

Fan catches pair of homers

Shaun Dean made two big catches from his spot in the stands during the record-setting, 18-inning Game 4 between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros.

He caught both Lance Berkman’s grand slam and Chris Burke’s series-winning homer, which gave Houston a 7-6 victory and ended the longest postseason game in baseball history.

Dean said he probably would give Burke’s home run ball to the player because it made history.

Clearing the bases

Jim Beattie won’t return as executive vice president of the Orioles after the team’s eighth straight losing season. … The Mariners assigned outfielder Jaime Bubela to Triple-A Tacoma. . … Detroit released pitcher Gary Knotts and claimed pitcher Sean Douglass off waivers. … Relievers Ben Weber and Chris Booker and second baseman D’Angelo Jimenez left the Reds as free agents.