Cubs Turn to Piniella; Athletics Fire Macha

Lou Piniella is coming to Wrigley Field, agreeing Monday to a three-year contract to manage the Chicago Cubs and accepting a job that has long been one of the most challenging in baseball.

“I feel terrific about Lou. I think he’s a tremendous baseball man and a proven winner from the beginning of his career,” Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry said.

Piniella, who will be introduced today at a news conference, has a deal that is worth about $10 million. He replaces Dusty Baker, another veteran manager with a strong resume, who left after four years when his contract was not renewed after a 66-96 last-place finish in the National League.

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Ken Macha managed the Oakland Athletics into the American League Championship Series, yet it wasn’t enough to save his job.

Macha was fired by the A’s, two days after the West champions were swept by Detroit.

Angels pitching coach Bud Black is considered a candidate to replace Macha.

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Authorities in the Dominican Republic were seeking Juan Uribe after issuing an arrest warrant for the Chicago White Sox shortstop in connection with the shooting of two men.