J.P. Ricciardi Insane? Toronto Blue Jays GM Expects To Stand Pat In Offseason

He has an ego as big as his nose and as wide as his forehead. Sadly, his reputation and credentials as a GM aren't as big.

Let's face it, JP Ricciardi has been a mediocre GM at best often making foolish deals or deals he later regrets. Since he joined as GM the Jays best achievement to date has to be finishing second in the American League East ahead of the Red Sox. Other than that it's been a disappointing tenure for Ricciardi and the Jays often barely winning 82 games.

One of his "strange" deals may have been the signing of Frank Thomas to a two-year deal. Thomas was struggling in his second season with the Jays so Ricciardi planned to limit Thomas' at bats so an option could not be picked up on his deal that would have paid him 10 million.

Sure avoiding that deal may have been an alright move, but the signing in the first place is questionable as he could have signed someone else or put the money to good use. Letting go of Carlos Delgado and many other great players only adds to the list of bad moves done by Ricciardi.

He has also tarnished his reputation as a GM by making fun of players or calling them out, offending both the player, agent, and GM. This year he called out Adam Dunn saying, "He's not a guy who likes to play baseball, or enjoys what he does." This makes players not want to come to Toronto and makes it harder to trade with the other GMs in the league.

Now with the season drawing to a close, some insight was given as to what Jays fans should expect to see next season.

"We'd like to upgrade DH, but if Snider takes over in left or Lind becomes DH, or vice versa, we might not have to go that route," Ricciardi said. "We'd like to upgrade at short but if we had to go with Scutaro or McDonald we'd be happy with that."

My only concern is that there is probably a more worthy DH available via free agency or trade. Same with shortstop, McDonald is get defensivley and Scutaro has been great in all areas this season but McDonald hits light and Scutaro isn't always consistent.

If Hill returns next season it leaves the middle infield a mess as both McDonald and Scutaro may want spots and Inglett and Hill need somewhere to play as well.

Ricciardi hasn't been too happy with free agency for a little while so he's cautious about doing anything this year. He notes that some guys have had better years in the past and now they are struggling, so he wants to step back and see them play another year.

Two notable free agents are lefty CC Sabathia and Angels Slugger Mark Teixeira. With Burnett, Zaun, and the prior departure of Frank Thomas, they have about $15 million to spend this off-season.

Ricciardi is aware of what the club needs, a shortstop, a power-hitting DH/first basemen and some help behind the plate. Snider has only played two games in the majors and has upside but he would be better off starting in left field.

If Burnett leaves they don't have anyone on the team currently who can be a solid No. 2 starter and Ricciardi would be crazy to believe they do. Marcum, Mcgowan, and Litsch have all struggled this season and never quite found their stride.

Whatever the case Ricciardi needs to spend some of that money on whatever area he finds urgent at the time. If he fails to spend any money in the off-season he is crazy, and there's no way this team can improve.

Most Jays' fans are calling for his head after the season is over, but there's one bright spot Ricciardi could look forward to if he stays and chooses to stand pat in the off-season. His reputation as a GM may finally be able to match up to the size of his nose and forehead, just not for the best reasons.