TORONTO [PeterPaul.ca] — The Toronto Blue Jays have fired General Manager J.P. Ricciardi after a turbulent 2009 season and one day after several of the team’s players complained about the leadership of manager Cito Gaston.
Ricciardi, who has been with the club since November 14, 2001, has failed miserably to return the team to its previous glory or even the playoffs.
“This was a tough decision and a difficult one for me personally as I have enjoyed J.P.’s friendship and his perspective on the game,” Paul Beeston, acting President and CEO, said in a release.
“J.P. has put an incredible amount of effort into improving the team and he has brought along a number of great young players. However, I feel that it is time for a change and accordingly we have decided to move on,” he added.
Alexander Anthopoulos will replace Ricciardi as general manager, effective immediately. Anthopoulos served as assistant G.M. under Ricciardi. There are two games remaining in the Blue Jays schedule, both are in Balimore.
