So apparently winning Oakland's first postseason series since 1990 wasn't enough for Ken Macha to keep his job.
FOXSports.com has learned that the A's have fired Macha.
The A's averaged 92 wins and captured two AL West titles in Macha's four years as manager. Macha, however, had an uneasy relationship with general manager Billy Beane and, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, also had problems communicating with players.
Macha, 50, had two years remaining on his contract — a deal he agreed to last off-season after rejecting the A's initial three-year offer and pursuing other options. His overuse of relievers was another source of contention with Beane, and according to the Chronicle, Macha also displayed a callous attitude toward injured players.
The A's beat the Twins in the ALDS — their first triumph in five postseason series under Beane — but were swept by the Tigers in the American League Championship Series, four games to none.
MORE TO COME
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Lou Piniella was expected to be introduced Tuesday as the new manager of the Chicago Cubs, a baseball source told The Associated Press on Monday.
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal has confirmed that Piniella will receive a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year. That means Piniella will be under contract through 2009, or one year longer than current Cubs GM Jim Hendry.
The hiring could also fuel speculation that the Cubs may try to acquire Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Piniella was previously A-Rod's manager in Seattle.
Piniella led the 1990 Cincinnati Reds to the World Series championship and replaces Dusty Baker, who was not brought back after a 66-96 season that ended a four-year contract.
Piniella spent last season in the Fox broadcast booth and has 19 years of managerial experience with four different teams - Tampa Bay, Seattle, the New York Yankees and the Reds. Several teams had sought to hire him for next season.
Known for his fiery style, the Cubs hope Piniella can revitalize a team that has not reached the World Series since 1945.
Joe Girardi, fired by the Florida Marlins after one season and a former Cubs player, also interviewed for the job.
A Cubs spokeswoman declined comment Monday. Piniella's agent Alan Nero and Hendry were not immediately reachable for comment.
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