Ricciardi's reign in Toronto
A look at J.P. Ricciardi's eight years as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.
J.P. Ricciardi holds a jersey after he was introduced as the new general manager in 2001.PETER JONES
Toronto Blue Jays general manager J. P. Ricciardi watches pitchers and catchers in their first spring-training workout with former manager Buck Martinez on Feb. 18, 2002 in Dunedin, Fla.KATHY WILLENS
J.P. Ricciardi and manager Carlos Tosca watch batting practice at the team's spring training camp in Dunedin, Fla. on Feb. 25, 2003.FRANK GUNN
J.P. Ricciardi introduces newly signed player Corey Koskie along with Paul Godfrey at a news conference in Toronto on December 14, 2004.PETER JONES
Ricciardi signed closing pitcher B.J. Ryan on Nov. 28, 2005. Ryan signed a five-year deal worth $47-million (U.S.).NATHAN DENETTE
J.P. Ricciardi introduces pitcher A.J. Burnett after signing him to a $55-million, five-year contract on Dec. 6, 2005.TONY GUTIERREZ
Designated hitter Frank Thomas and J.P. Ricciardi pose with Thomas' new jersey after signing with the team on Nov. 28, 2006. Thomas signed a two-year deal worth $18-million.MIKE CASSESE
Former president and CEO Paul Godfrey poses with outfielder Alex Rios and second baseman Aaron Hill after general manager J.P. Ricciardi signed both players to multi-year contracts on April 4, 2008.MIKE CASSESE
Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi introduces new manager Cito Gaston at a news conference in Pittsburgh on June 20, 2008.DAVID DENOMA