How Has J.P. Ricciardi Kept His Job for So Long?

Joe Posnanski, in a Sports Illustrated article, questioned, “Here’s my thing about J.P. Ricciardi, the thing that really baffles the heck out of me: How can someone keep giving out contracts THIS BAD and keep his job and reputation? How? I’m serious. How?” The bewilderment that some people exhibit over Ricciardi’s job status seems to rival how confused some people have been about Stonehenge over the ages. I believe that I know the answer to Posnanski’s question. But, before I get into that, I want to first summarize some of the reasons why J.P. Ricciardi’s job status with the Toronto Blue Jays has perplexed so many people for so long.   Let’s Make a (Bad) Deal Ricciardi’s track record in his biggest transactions has been horrendous, as discussed in my previous J.P. Ricciardi article. Moreover, Richard Griffin wrote the following in a Toronto Star article: “Besides, the GM's track record at trading established playe...