Shortly before their 2 p.m. news conference, the Milwaukee Brewers officially named Ken Macha manager.

Macha signed a two-year contract through the 2010 season and becomes the 17th manager in franchise history. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

"Today's manager must blend old-school teaching and instructing methods with the new age statistical analysis," said Melvin.

"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."

Macha, 58, has four seasons of Major League managerial experience with the Oakland Athletics (2003-06). He owns a career record of 368-280 (.568). Under his leadership, the Athletics won 96, 91, 88 and 93 games, respectively, and captured the American League West Division championship in 2003 and 2006. The Athletics' winning percentage ranked fourth in the Major Leagues during Macha's tenure, trailing only the Yankees (.608), Red Sox (.577) and Cardinals (.577).

Macha's .568 winning percentage ranks second to Hall of Famer Dick Williams (.603) in Athletics' history.

Macha also has minor league managerial experience in the Boston Red Sox organization at Double-A Trenton (1995-96) and Triple-A Pawtucket (1997-98). His career record as a minor league skipper is 317-249 (.560). He qualified for the playoffs in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and was named International League Manager of the Year in 1998.

In addition to managing, Macha has Major League experience as a coach with Montreal (1986-91) and California (1992-94). With the Expos, he served as a coach (1986) and bullpen coach (1987-91). With the Angels, he served as bullpen coach (1992) and third-base coach (1992-94).

The former corner infielder had a six-year playing career in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh (1974, ‘77-78), Montreal (1979-80) and Toronto (1981). He finished his career in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons (1982-85).

Macha, who spent the last two seasons as a studio analyst for NESN (Red Sox), resides in Latrobe, Pa., with his wife, Carolyn. The couple has a son, Eric, and a daughter, Kristin.