Acta hired by Indians

CLEVELAND (AP) - Before he was handed a white No. 11 jersey and smiling Chief Wahoo cap, Manny Acta was asked one final question by Cleveland Indians general manager Mark Shapiro.

"Ready?" Shapiro asked his new manager.

"Born ready," Acta said.

Ready to win.

Acta, who was unable to turn the talent-thin Washington National into winners, was introduced Monday as Cleveland's 40th manager after he picked the Indians over the Houston Astros, a team close to his heart and the one that gave him his start as a big leaguer.

Offered jobs in Houston and Cleveland over the weekend, the 40-year-old Acta selected a city he had never visited until he came for an interview last week. He also chose a team he thinks can recover quickly from a disastrous season and move back into contention.

The Indians signed him to a three-year contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013. Financial terms were not immediately available.

"This is a perfect place for me," Acta said. "That's why I'm here. I'm attracted to all these talented young players. I'm looking forward to teaching and leading them and helping this team win a championship."

Acta spent 21/2 years with the Nationals, who fired him after a 26-61 start last season. With Washington, he went 158-252, an ugly mark that has stained his resume. Acta has a lot to prove and is confident he one day will be looked upon differently.

CARDS HIRE MCGWIRE: Mark McGwire is back in baseball, reunited with Tony La Russa as the St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach.

La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as manager yesterday with a one-year contract, the first time he hasn't had a multiyear deal with the team. All of his coaches will return except for Hal McRae, who will be replaced by the former star.

"Mark is passionate about the game, passionate about the Cardinals," chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. "Tony thinks he'll be a great coach, and I think he's got a lot to offer."

McGwire was not at the news conference at Busch Stadium, but La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak said there will be no effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids. The team anticipated a telephone news conference with McGwire.

WORLD SERIES

PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW YORK

Wednesday

Philadelphia (Lee 7-4) at New York (Sabathia 19-8), 7:57 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Philadelphia at New York, 7:57 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31

New York at Philadelphia, 7:57 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1

New York at Philadelphia, 8:20 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 2

x-New York at Philadelphia, 7:57 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 4

x-Philadelphia at New York, 7:57 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 5

x-Philadelphia at New York, 7:57 p.m.