Yost named Brewers new manager

The Milwaukee Brewers hired 47-year-old Ned Yost as their new manager on Tuesday. Yost had been a coach with the Atlanta Braves the past 12 years.

The contract is believed to be a two-year deal with a club option for 2005.

Yost will be introduced at an afternoon press conference. He replaces Jerry Royster, who took over for Davey Lopes in April after a 3-12 start. Royster was fired after the Brewers finished with a franchise-worst 56-106 record this year.

Yost is the 14th manager of the Brewers, who haven't had a winning season since 1992 when Milwaukee finished 92-70.

Yost, who was the Braves' bullpen coach from 1991-98 and their third-base coach the last four seasons, had his only managerial experience at Sumter, Atlanta's former Class A affiliate, from 1988-90.

A former backup catcher, Yost played six seasons in the major leagues.

Yost was a member of the Brewers from 1980-1983, the Rangers in 1984 and the Expos in 1985.

For his career, Yost batted .212 with 16 homers and 64 RBI in 219 games. He appeared in one game in the 1982 World Series for the Brewers, who fell to the Cardinals in seven games.

Oakland bench coach Ken Macha, who is expected to take over for Art Howe in Oakland, reportedly turned down an offer from the Brewers last week.

Howe was hired by the Mets as their new manager on Monday.