J.P. Ricciardi is the newest analyst on ESPN’s ‘Baseball Tonight’.
Ricciardi, the former Toronto Blue Jays General Manager, has been involved in the game for over 30 years.
After playing two years of professional minor league baseball for the New York Mets, Ricciardi held a variety of positions with the Oakland Athletics; player personnel, special assistant to the GM, and roles in scouting and instruction.
During the “Moneyball” explosion, Ricciardi was a highly sought after individual.
According to TSN, Ricciardi was actually the second choice for the Blue Jays General Manager position. Paul DePodesta, who at present date is the Executive Vice President of the San Diego Padres, was actually the clubs first option while he was special assistant to Oakland Athletics GM, Billy Beane.
DePodesta did not take the position, leaving Ricciardi his opportunity.
After eight seasons, and a 642-653 record, Ricciardi was let go and replaced by Assistant GM, Alex Anthopolous.
Ricciardi, who has had some questionable run-ins with the media, will undoubtedly leave an impression when he makes his ESPN debut in March.
“I’m really excited about joining the ESPN ‘Baseball Tonight’ family,” Ricciardi said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing my perspective of the game, which has many layers and has been built over the years through my various roles.”
Devon Teeple is an author for the Business of Sports Network, which includes the Biz of Baseball, the Biz of Football, the Biz of Basketball and the Biz of Hockey. He is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals & Gateway Grizzlies. Devon is also available for hire or freelance opportunities.
Devon is a former student within Sports Management Worldwide’s Baseball General Manager Class. Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective and is a intern with The Football Outsiders and contributor with the Plymouth River Eels.
Currently, Devon is a Branch Manager at a financial institution in Southern Ontario Canada. He can be reached at devon@thegmsperspective.com or devon@businessofsportsnetwork.com
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