Delgado's No-Trade Clause and J.P. Ricciardi



Harsh words for Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi in yesterday's Toronto Star, courtesy of Richard Griffin.

General manager J.P. Ricciardi has botched his relationship with Carlos Delgado, his best player, since Day 1. From the moment the former A's scout sat down with Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey in his initial job interview and identified the four-year, $68 million (all figures U.S.) Delgado salary as Ted Rogers' major roadblock to contending, he has had blinders on for much else.

This column and others that criticize the methods of the 44-year-old Jays player personnel boss are not meant as personal attacks. Simply, he needs to push away from his disciples, to listen to someone other than those who worship at his feet.

After all, it's been a while since he turned water into wine.

When Ricciardi held his informal press conference in Texas last Friday to announce to the world (after leaking the story to one of his preferred PR media) that Delgado had refused to waive his no-trade clause, it was an outrageous breach of player-club protocol.

"The no-trade clause was included in the contract before I arrived," Ricciardi said, with gravity.

"I have to honour it."

That may rank as the most pompous, self-serving statement of the year for a major league GM. There isn't a player of Delgado's status who doesn't have a no-trade in a multi-year contract these days. For Ricciardi to infer that if he'd been around at the time the no-trade would be different and to insinuate former GM Gord Ash (and current boss Godfrey) made a mistake four years ago is total hooey.

Ricciardi betrayed the trust and professionalism of Delgado, the Jays' most loyal and professional player, when he went directly to the media regarding a man-to-man issue.

Delgado, after the break, rejoined the team and respectfully waited to tell Ricciardi that he'd decided to stay with the Jays rather than waive his rights. He was then blindsided by Ricciardi, who had already let it be known to some that he was asking Delgado to help him out. Still, Delgado maintained his composure and his class.

Later, ESPN's Peter Gammons piled on, claiming Delgado was getting bad advice in not allowing himself to be dealt to a contender. Anyone who knows Delgado well knows that his agent, David Sloane, is merely a facilitator for Delgado's career desires. The advice was from within. Carlos always makes up his mind after consulting the people in his life who he trusts.

Another criticism of Delgado is that by staying with a sinking Jays ship, it shows he does not really care about winning a championship ring, that he's not a winner. Wrong.

"Instead of being a rent-a-player for two months, I'm hoping to negotiate a contract where Carlos can go to a contender for the rest of his career," Sloane said.

Posted: Fri - July 23, 2004 at 05:45 AM      

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