A's Macha out when talks fail

By wire services
Published October 6, 2005

Oakland Athletics manager Ken Macha was out of a job Wednesday after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.

"We decided it's best to part ways at this point," general manager Billy Beane said. "We offered a three-year deal with a club option and they countered with a three-year deal without a club option. "I don't think we were ever going to be able to bridge the gap. There are no hard feelings whatsoever."

The option would have allowed the A's to decide whether to keep Macha after three seasons.

Macha led the A's to the AL West title in his first year in 2003. But Oakland failed to reach the postseason the past two years despite 91 victories in 2004 and 88 this season.

Macha, who was 275-211 with the A's, had said he hoped to return. He said the failure to reach agreement was one of several "massive disappointments" during his tenure.

"Hopefully something will work out," Macha said. "You have experiences, and that was a growing experience."

Macha's agent, Alan Nero, said he received an offer from Beane on Monday, then offered a counterproposal Tuesday. "We were significantly apart," Nero said. "Then I made a proposal and we were very close. Billy declined to make another proposal because he felt Kenny wouldn't be happy. This is a sad day for Kenny, the fans and the players. It was an amicable separation and it's time for everybody to move on."

Nero spoke to Pirates GM Dave Littlefield about the managerial vacancy in Pittsburgh, where Macha lives.

Littlefield said he couldn't comment about Macha until he gets clearance from the Athletics to talk with him. Littlefield interviewed former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy for two hours by phone Wednesday.

Littlefield said of Tracy: "He's a sharp guy. I've stayed in touch with him over the years and know him fairly well. We talked about (managerial) philosophy, his views on staff and players."

Nero said the Florida Marlins also are interested in Macha.

DIAMONDBACKS: First-base coach Brett Butler's contract will not be renewed. Arizona said announcements on other coaches will be made later.

ORIOLES: A Montgomery County Circuit Court judge dismissed Comcast's lawsuit against the team and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network for a second time. Judge Durke G. Thompson dismissed the suit in July, but gave Comcast another chance to bring forward new information. Thompson dismissed the suit again Wednesday because Comcast failed to present any new information. Comcast SportsNet sued the Orioles and MASN in April, contending it holds Orioles broadcast rights after the 2006 season.

[Last modified October 6, 2005, 01:14:18]