San Francisco, CA (My Sportsbook) - The San Francisco Giants announced that manager Dusty Baker is leaving the team. Baker's contract expired on Wednesday.

Baker led the Giants to the World Series this season before San Francisco lost to the Anaheim Angels in seven games.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean had conversed with Baker's agent Jeff Moorad on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning, but said it became clear that an agreement wasn't going to be reached. Sabean then made the recommendation to Giants' managing general partner Peter Magowan that talks be severed.

The 53-year-old Baker managed San Francisco for 10 seasons, compiling an 840-715 mark. The Giants went 95-66 in 2002 and earned the NL wild card spot.

Baker was voted manager of the year three times, including 1993, his first season in San Francisco.

"It has been a terrific run for all of us and for that I will forever be grateful to Dusty," said Sabean.

The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are among the teams with managing vacancies that will likely express interest in hiring Baker.

Baker is one of only three skippers to manage the Giants for at least 10 seasons. The legendary John McGraw was at the helm for 31 years (1902-32), while McGraw's replacement, Bill Terry, held the position for 10 seasons (1932-41).

Baker played 16 seasons in the major leagues with Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland and was a .278 lifetime hitter.