Willie Randolph was hired as the bench coach for the Brewers, who bypassed Randolph this week to hire Ken Macha as their next manager.

It’s definitely the right move for Randolph, who will be part of a good team and that should improve his value around the league quickly.

Here is the AP story:

Randolph hired as Brewers bench coach
Associated Press
Nov 8, 2008

MILWAUKEE—The Milwaukee Brewers hired former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph as bench coach on Saturday.

The 54-year Randolph was fired as the Mets manager on June 17. His career record was 302-253 and he led New York to the playoffs in 2006. His .544 winning percentage ranks second to Davey Johnson (.588) in Mets history.

“We are very pleased to add Willie to the organization as he brings recent National League expertise and success to our coaching staff,” general manager Doug Melvin said. “His reputation as a player is a quality that will be valuable in his teaching and coaching of our talented young team. Willie is a professional both on and off the field.”

Ken Macha was hired Oct. 30 as the manager, taking over from Dale Sveum following the team’s first postseason appearance since 1982.

In addition to his managerial experience, Randolph spent 11 seasons on the coaching staff of the New York Yankees as third base coach (1994-2003) and bench coach (2004). He was a part of four World Series championship teams with the Yankees.

The six-time All-Star second baseman had an 18-year playing career spent primarily with the Yankees (1976-88). He also played for Pittsburgh (1975), Los Angeles (1989-90), Oakland (1990), Milwaukee (1991) and the Mets (1992).