The Milwaukee Brewers have yet to make the move official, but that’s just a formality.  They’ve selected Los Angeles Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke as their new manager.

Roenicke got the nod over other finalists Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin and Joey Cora.

Ken Macha, who was let go after two disappointing seasons, admitted to not being able to connect with stars Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.  The Brewers think Roenicke will be able to break down that wall. 

Last week, a source said the Brewers were going to go with Bobby Valentine and that possibility appeared to grow when SI.com also said Valentine appeared to be the Brewers choice and White Sox assistant Joey Cora would be the fallback choice.  But the Brewers were so impressed with Roenicke that they decided to go in that direction.

Roenicke played for 12 years, 8 years in the Major Leagues with the Reds, Phillies, Giants, Padres, Mariners and Dodgers.  His hiring will become official after the Brewers complete paperwork and background checks.

According to a source inside the Milwaukee Brewers organization, the team has agreed in principle with former Mets manager Bobby Valentine to become the teams next manager.

The Brewers fired Ken Macha at the end of the season. 

Now the two sides must finalize a contract agreement.  The source says Valentine is looking for $10-million over 3-years which may or may not throw a wrench into the deal.

The Milwaukee Brewers today declined the 2011 club option on manager

Ken Macha/UPI Photo - Bill Greenblatt

Ken Macha. 

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin will meet with the media this afternoon at Miller Park.  No decision has been made regarding the other members of the coaching staff.

Macha was named the 17th manager in franchise history on October 30, 2008, replacing interim manager Dale Sveum.  In his two seasons with the Brewers, the team went 157-167 (.485), finishing in third place both seasons (80-82 in 2009 and 77-85 in 2010). 

Macha owns a career managerial record of 525-447 over six seasons with Oakland and Milwaukee.