Manny Acta named Cleveland Indians Manager

Final Update: Okay Acta is the guy as everyone and their mom has confirmed it and now we found out that the Astros did indeed press the Indians to make this move.

The Astros no doubt played a part in that time frame, as they offered Acta their manager's job. Acta spent 16 years in the Astros' Minor League system, so it had been expected that they might be his first choice. But he turned down the Astros to accept the Indians' offer.

Houston offered him the job, the Indians clearly wanted him from the beginning, so they did the same. He realized this was a better opportunity and took the job and the Indians have their man earlier than expected.

That's how it's shaped out if you ask me.

Shapiro wanted Acta and he got him. He now better make sure this was the right choice or the entire city will be ready to take him out behind the house and rough him up like a big brother does his little brother on Sunday afternoons.

Jon Heyman said that the Indians might have hired Valentine if he was more committed to them which goes back to that "I don't even know if I want to manage" bit. Did he take that stance in the interview? Maybe, and if he did, it should have been clear to Shapiro that Valentine was just trying to get his name out to the public again and wasn't totally into the idea of coming to Cleveland.

Here is the press release...

“We are very excited to have Manny Acta as our Major League manager,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager MARK SHAPIRO. “After speaking with an impressive array of candidates, we feel that Manny is a very strong and experienced leader who possesses great energy and enthusiasm along with tremendous communication skills and a positive mindset that will command a presence in the dugout, clubhouse and with our fans.”

“I am very excited to become part of the Cleveland Indians family,” said Cleveland Indians Manager MANNY ACTA. “I look forward to working with this talented group of young men who seem to possess a lot of energy and passion for their work. I believe we will grow together as a team with the ultimate goal of bringing a championship to Cleveland and its fans.”

Buckle Up Cleveland... This is going to be interesting...

Edit 3:05 PM ET: Anthony Castrovince is confirming it...

I'm thinking they completely bought into Acta right from the start and that nothing was going to change their mind, especially after visiting with Lovullo and Valentine. I'm also thinking something has developed with Mattingly to the point where interviewing him would be pointless. Hence the quick stab to get Acta before Houston could.

Edit Again: Paul Hoynes chimes in and says it's going to be a three-year deal. Three years plus a team option for a fourth. They're going to officially announce the hiring today. Press-Conference Maybe?

Original Post, 2:57 PM ET: Jon Heyman is breaking news via Twitter.

He is saying that the Indians are going to hire Manny Acta as their manager.

More on this as it develops, but what's causing this if it happens to be true?

Was Houston making a press for Cleveland's current favorite? Did Bobby V tell the Indians Thanks but no Thanks?

Did something happen with Don Mattingly that has effectively ended the interview process?

Only time will tell, but if Heyman's report is true, Manny Acta will be the next manager of the Cleveland Indians.