Wayne Krivsky

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Wayne Krivsky (born July 28, 1954 in Niagara Falls, New York), is the former general manager of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds franchise, a position he accepted on February 8, 2006.^[1]

Wayne Krivsky attended Duke University, where he played baseball for three years. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in management science.

Krivsky has spent the last 27 years in baseball in some capacity — from front office executive to scouting. His first major league job was working in the ticket department of the Texas Rangers. He eventually became the team's general manager, and was also the assistant general manager of the Minnesota Twins. When businessman Bob Castellini purchased majority ownership of the Reds, he hired Krivsky, who soon began rebuilding baseball's oldest franchise.

Among fans, the more popular trades Krivsky made during spring training was the acquisition of Boston right-handed pitcher Bronson Arroyo for outfielder Wily Mo Pena and the signing of free agent catcher David Ross. Arroyo made the All-Star team his first year in Cincinnati. Another popular Krivsky trade brought former Cleveland Indians infielder Brandon Phillips to the Reds for a player to be named later and cash. On June 14, 2006, the Reds sent minor league right-handed pitcher Jeff Stevens to the Tribe to complete the deal. Phillips has primarily played second base. Another trade brought former Mariners closer Eddie Guardado to the Reds for minor league right-hander Travis Chick.

On June 28, 2006, the contracts of Wayne Krivsky and field manager Jerry Narron were extended through the year 2008. [1]

The most controversial trade of Krivsky's tenure was the deal struck on July 13, 2006 that sent outfielder Austin Kearns, shortstop Felipe López, and minor league right-hander Ryan Wagner to the Washington Nationals for right-hander Gary Majewski, left-hander Bill Bray, veteran shortstop Royce Clayton and minor-leaguers Brendan Harris and Daryl Thompson, an infielder and right-handed pitcher, respectively. Ironically, Jim Bowden, the Nationals' general manager, held that capacity with the Reds from 1992-2003. The deal was made to improve a bullpen that is regarded as inconsistent by most fans and pundits.

Said Krivsky: "We had to upgrade the bullpen. You can see by the price we paid what the market is. [2] I think for us to compete in the second half, we had to upgrade the bullpen. It's very difficult to get quality pitchers for the back end of the game like a Bray and Majewski. We think they're two key pieces for our bullpen." [3]

On August 7, 2006 Majewski was revealed to have a tired arm, and he said he had received a cortisone shot prior to the All-Star Break (Which was the time of the trade). He was placed on the 15-day Disabled list the same day, and some in the Reds' Front Office cried foul play.

On April 23, 2008, 21 games into the regular season, Krivsky was fired from his position as General Manager and replaced by Walt Jocketty.^[1]