Toronto, Ontario (My Sportsbook) - The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that general manager J.P. Ricciardi has signed a new five-year contract. "As the (2002) season progressed I knew this was a place I wanted to be," Ricciardi said. "I think we are on to something special here." The Blue Jays won 42 games in the second half of the year to close with a 78-84 record. Ricciardi's original contract included an escape clause at the end of the 2002 season and the Boston Red Sox were reportedly interested in luring him to Beantown. The 43-year-old Ricciardi, the team's fourth general manager, signed a three- year contract to succeed Gord Ash following the 2001 campaign. The new contract replaces the three-year deal. One of Ricciardi's initial moves was to trade closer Billy Koch to the Oakland Athletics for prospect Eric Hinske. Hinske is getting strong consideration for American League Rookie of the Year after a breakout 2002 season. Prior to joining the Blue Jays, Ricciardi spent 16 years in the Oakland organization. |
