The Oakland Athletics' monthlong search for a new manager spanned from Japan to New York _ then ended where it started with bench coach Bob Geren, the man who sat alongside fired skipper Ken Macha all season.
The A's announced Friday morning that Geren will be promoted to his first managerial job in the majors after extensive experience managing in the minor leagues and in winter ball.
Two A's players had told The Associated Press on Thursday night that Geren called them after he was hired. Oakland scheduled a Friday afternoon news conference to formally introduce Geren.
He fills the final managerial vacancy in the major leagues this off-season, one month after the A's fired Macha.
General manager Billy Beane went with the most experience and a familiar face, his longtime friend and former high school baseball opponent in San Diego.
Of the three finalists, a list that also included Colorado Rockies bench coach Jamie Quirk and ESPN baseball analyst and former Texas Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser, only Geren had any managerial experience.
A's closer Huston Street said he heard Thursday from Geren, who told the pitcher he got the job.
``I'm really excited,'' said Street, the 2005 AL Rookie of the Year. ``He's already called me and we've spoken a little bit. I spent my first full year in the big leagues with him in the bullpen. He was the first professional coach I got a feel for and got to understand. What he brings is someone dedicated to the team and dedicated to his players. He's got a good feel for the team and that's a real positive for all of us.''
Geren, a catcher for five seasons with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres, spent the 2006 season as bench coach in Oakland after three seasons as bullpen coach in his first stint on a major league coaching staff.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
