Brewers name Macha new manager

Ken Macha is the new manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Macha agreed to a two-year contract on Thursday. He takes over from Dale Sveum, the interim manager who took the Brewers to their first post-season appearance since 1982.

Macha, 58, guided the Oakland A's to American League West titles in 2003 and 2006. Despite a 368-260 record over four seasons, he was fired two days after the Athletics were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 AL championship series.

"Among many who spoke highly of Ken, we received glowing endorsements from [Boston Red Sox manager] Terry Francona and [Tampa Bay Rays manager] Joe Maddon about his work ethic and baseball mind," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said.

Melvin decided on Macha after dropping Sveum from consideration on Oct. 17.

Sveum was promoted from third base coach to interim manager when Ned Yost was fired with 12 games left in the regular season. Sveum managed the Brewers to the National League Wild Card, but they lost in the playoffs to the Philadelphia Phillies, the eventual World Series champion.

Willie Randolph and Bob Brenly also were on the list of finalists for the Brewers' managerial job. Macha was considered the lead candidate to become Brewers manager six years ago when Melvin became GM, but Macha was promoted from bench coach to manager in Oakland.