Ricciardi's Attitude on Toronto

Following is a partial transcript of an interview on XM Radio with Jays' GM J.P. Ricciardi that shows his attitude towards the Jays fans and the city:

Pidto: “Because you’ve obviously caused quite a stir, and is it something that you got the OK from up above?  Is ownership on board with this potential strategy as well?”

Ricciardi: “I don’t think we caused a stir in Toronto.  I think we caused a stir in all the places that these things cause stirs: Philadelphia, New York, Boston, L.A., Chicago.  I think those markets are probably having more of a stir than we are.  I think what we did was answer a question honestly: Would we entertain offers for Roy Halladay?  And we said we would at least listen.  The player knows that.  Everybody has been on board with at least listening.  I don’t think we’ve traded Roy Halladay so I don’t think we’ve done anything that’s really caused a great controversy with us. 

 

Comments

[TSM]

Would be more of a stir if JP were shown the door, why didn't beeston suggest that JP buy himself out along with BJ

http://torontosportsmedia.com

[Chris]

What's your point? He's right.

[MP]

So what's his attitude towards Toronto then? I can't tell from this quote. If he means Toronto doesn't overreact to innocuous comments blown up into ridiculous trade rumours, I'll take it as a compliment over Philadelphia, New York, Boston, L.A., and Chicago.

Not everyone is as cynical as you.

[Matt]

How, in the name of all that is holy, is this man still employed. He is a walking PR disaster who makes questionable baseball decisions almost daily. He laments about a lack of funds to re-sign Roy Halladay, when he seems to annually toss about 10-15 million dollars out the door through the release of his own signings.

I have been a diehard Jays fan since I was about 7 years old (1992 world series win), and this is without doubt the closest I've ever come to packing it in. I'm serious. I just can't take the ineptitude anymore (and watching our group on the field lately hasn't been much fun either).

We are in serious John Ferguson Jr. territory here. I went through all this with the Leafs too and thought we were past it. And for the first time, I'm also leveling blame at the people about Ricciardi as well. I understand that with Ted's death the company is probably in some executive disarray (especially directionally, concerning the Jays), but continuing on with this charade of a GM speaks of total inaction.

Granted I'm not internally witnessing the process by which this stuff happens. But at some point you have to evaluate based on results, and everything connected to JP just reeks right now.

Rogers - I am also a loyal phone, internet, and cable customer. So in a twisted way, might I be paying part of JP's salary? If so, I beg you. Stop wasting my money and get him out there.

Please.

[Todd Shishler]

Griff for GM.

[Jack]

It seems that there was a lot more coverage in Toronto media about The Monster coming to the Leafs than there has been about a potential trade involving Halladay. I'd say that JP was right on the button in his comment and tend not to criticize people for telling the truth.

[vhigge]

J.P. Ricciardi only does what's best for J.P. Ricciardi.

He's the Harold Ballard of Baseball.

You'd swear he is pissed off because
he didn't get to run the New England Patriots!

Cito and J.P. must be
like Water for Chocolate,
nay, like Water and Oil,
like Oil and Vinegar!

Shake it up, Baby!

Here comes Boston, Cleveland, and New York -
just in time to prove me wrong.

Pas the SPF Catalina1

[jimmy]

oil and vinigar is actually a good combo. Its called salad dressing.

just sayin.

[Rene]

If we have to trade Roy then fine. PLEASE Paul Beeston first fire J.P. and get a real GM in to make this critical deal. This guys has been a total failure.

[Braden]

What an enormous leap you made there, Richard. Despite his numerous flaws, you somehow make me side with Ricciardi when you air your extremely visible bias. It's embarassing to read drivel like this.

[Jeff]

Mr. Griffin: You've got to put an end to this petty feud you have with JP. You're making a mountain out of an ant hill and, frankly, it's embarrassing to read.

[Derek]

Wow, this is petty Richard

[mike]

Richard,

You knock JP for only speaking to the Toronto media but what do you expect? In his article today, Mark Zwolinski incorrectly spelled Kevin Ahrens name and thought that Ahrens was drafted in 2008. Perhaps it's the lack of knowledge that some of your peers demonstrate on a daily basis that causes JP to prefer speaking with other journalists (not that they're that much better, to be sure).

Perhaps the Star should put its own house in order before it criticizes others.