CLEVELAND — 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 Nationals 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.”