B.J. Ryan gets some closure

I wonder what the opposite of a fist pump is … could it be a fist thrust downwards or possibly a fist bump? Either way, B.J. Ryan is likely doing the opposite of his trademark enthusiastic celebration after hearing he was released by the Blue Jays earlier today.

Even though B.J. is still owed $15 million dollars, the move was a smart one rather than parading him out there in the mop up role for the next season and a half. The Beej had two great seasons as the closer for the Blue Jays, with 37 saves in 2006 and 32 saves back in 2008.

Undoubtedly, J.P. Ricciardi has learned a very costly lesson about signing a closer with one year of experience in that role to the biggest contract ever dealt out for a relief pitcher. From now on, it’s pretty safe to say that Scott Downs will hold down the reins in late innings for the Blue Jays.


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B.J. Ryan was paid very well to close games for the Blue Jays, but ultimately he could not fulfill his end of the bargain and in the end he couldn’t even save himself.

Ian Hunter

Ian has been writing about the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He enjoyed the tail-end of the Roy Halladay era and vividly remembers the Alex Rodriguez "mine" incident. He'll also retell the story of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS to his kids for the next 20 years.

5 thoughts on “B.J. Ryan gets some closure

  • July 9, 2009 at 12:46 am
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    J.P. needs to go. Someone has to take the fall. Ryan wasn't so bad that he needed to be released. He lipped J.P., who at times puts personal feelings ahead of business decisions. I hate this transaction with a passion…

  • July 9, 2009 at 3:33 am
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    It's kind a of catch 22 for the Blue Jays – damned if you do, damned if you don't. I imagine Ryan would probably request a trade in the offseason anyway, so better to cut ties now.

  • July 9, 2009 at 12:33 pm
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    we're sure the 15 million helped him "take the news like a man". talk about a rough day for BJ!

  • July 13, 2009 at 5:41 pm
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    Celebratory limp wrist – I love it! Maybe he'll use that one in Chicago if the Cubbies pick him up.

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