CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have fired general manager Wayne Krivsky and replaced him with former St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty.

The Reds are off to their worst start in five years. The firing wasn't as much a surprise as the timing.

Krivsky knew his job was in jeopardy when owner Bob Castellini hired Jocketty as a special consultant in January. The two were friends from Castellini's days in the Cardinals' ownership group.

When the Reds got off to a 9-12 start, Castellini made a switch that was expected at some point. Krivsky, who was hired before the 2006 season, was in the final year of his contract.