Howe joins Mets; A's prepare to hire Macha

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets officially introduced Art Howe as their new manager Monday, confirming the worst-kept secret in baseball.

Howe agreed to a four-year contract worth $9.4 million after being released from the last year of his deal with the Oakland Athletics.

"I see the Mets as a tremendous opportunity," Howe said. "The ownership is committed to winning, and the nucleus of players is there to turn things around from last season."

News of Howe's signing leaked last Wednesday night, although the Mets refused any confirmation or announcement until the World Series was over.

Howe succeeds Bobby Valentine, who was fired Oct. 1 with one year remaining on his contract. The Mets owe him $2.7 million for that final year.

Howe took Oakland to 103 victories and the American League West championship this season, but his team was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the third straight year. In 12 years as a manager with Houston and Oakland, he has a record of 992-951.

Macha to replace Howe

Ken Macha will be introduced as the Athletics' new manager today, his agent and a team source said.

Macha was the A's bench coach under manager Art Howe for the past four seasons as Oakland made three straight trips to the playoffs. He was a top candidate for several managerial vacancies this fall.

A's general manager Billy Beane stopped short of confirming Macha's appointment on Monday, but he left almost no doubt about his intentions. Oakland will hold a news conference this afternoon to introduce its new manager.

Indians hire Wedge

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians will make Eric Wedge the youngest manager in the majors, a team source told The Associated Press.

The 34-year-old Wedge, who managed Cleveland's Triple-A team in Buffalo the past two seasons, will be introduced at a news conference today, the source said on condition of anonymity.

-- From wire reports