The search for the new Milwaukee Brewers manager has ended. GM Doug Melvin has given the job to former Oakland A's skipper Ken Macha. Macha led the A's to a 368-280 record in four seasons, and won two AL West division titles.
Macha passed on the Brewers' offer in October 2002 to remain in Oakland, but quickly became the leading candidate earlier this month as Melvin searched for a replacement for Ned Yost and Dale Sveum. Macha beat out former Mets manager Willie Randolph and former D-backs skipper Bob Brenly for the job.
"Today's manager must blend old-school teaching and instructing methods with the new-age statistical analysis," Melvin said in a news release. "Ken has been exposed to both styles and has the baseball intelligence to understand that both lead to success. Among many who spoke highly of Ken, we received glowing endorsements from Terry Francona and Joe Maddon about his work ethic and baseball mind. We look forward to having Ken display his talents in Milwaukee."