Blue Jays Fire GM J.P. Ricciardi

The Toronto Blue Jays have fired general manager J.P. Ricciardi.

Interim CEO Paul Beeston announced the move on Saturday, saying he felt it was time for a change.

Ricciardi has been in charge of the team since Nov. 14, 2001, posting four winning seasons and four losing ones.

It was a controversial reign with poor free agent signings and off-field missteps overshadowing some productive drafts and other good moves.

His greatest failing was an inability to find a way past the Yankees and Red Sox and into the postseason.