Ken Macha was hired Thursday as manager of the Brewers, according to an Associated Press report. The 58-year-old Macha, who managed the A's to a pair of AL West titles, agreed to a two-year deal. He replaces Dale Sveum, who became interim manager when Ned Yost was fired with 12 games left in the regular season.

The Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league deal and claiming pitcher Bryan Bullington off waivers. Bullington was selected by the Pirates with the top overall selection and Loewen was taken fourth by the Orioles.

The Mariners hired Brewers' special assistant Jack Zduriencik as their new GM Wednesday, according to an Associated Press report. Zduriencik replaces Bill Bavasi, who was fired in June, and takes over for interim Lee Pelekoudas. Known for his skill in drafting players, Zduriencik worked with Brewers' GM Doug Melvin.

The Mets have agreed to a deal to retain Jerry Manuel as manager, FoxSports.com and SI.com are reporting. Manuel, who took over for Willie Randolph when Randolph was fired in June, got a two-year contract with a club option for a third season, the Web sites reported.

The Marlins have signed third baseman Wes Helms to a two-year contract extension. Helms, 32, batted .243 with five homers and 31 RBIs during the 2008 season. The Marlins held a $3.75 million option on Helms for 2009. RealGM Note: Helms was ranked 972nd in season FIC and 'deserved' to make just $390k, giving him a Reina Value of -84%.

GM Omar Minaya was given a new contract Thursday that runs through 2012, a deal that comes four days after the Mets were eliminated from post-season contention in the final game of the season. The contract contains club options covering 2013 and 2014, according to an Associated Press report.