Brewers sign Japanese OF Aoki
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-brewers-aoki
MILWAUKEE (AP)—The
Milwaukee Brewers looked overseas to add some depth to their outfield Tuesday, signing Japanese star Norichika Aoki to a two-year deal with a club option for 2014.
The 30-year-old Aoki hit over .300 in six of his seven full seasons and was a three-time batting champion in Japan’s Central League. He was the league’s 2005 rookie of the year and is a six-time golden glove award winner.
“He wanted to come over here and play,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. “I don’t think he had as many challenges left over there as he saw over here. So he’s coming over here, and he’s going to give it his best shot to try and get as much playing time as he can.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Melvin said it contains a “fair amount” of incentives.
Aoki’s team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, accepted the Brewers’ bid of $2.5 million under the posting system in December. The Brewers had until 4 p.m. CT Tuesday to complete a deal.
Had the team not signed Aoki, he would have returned to Japan and the Brewers would have received their bid money back.
Although the deal wasn’t announced until after the deadline, Melvin said there wasn’t too much last-minute drama.
“At the start of the day, we had a pretty good understanding that there was a chance this is going to happen,” Melvin said.
Outfield depth could be critical for the Brewers, given that they may be without NL MVP
Ryan Braun for the first 50 games of next season if he loses his appeal for testing positive for a banned substance.
“He will be given an opportunity, but I really don’t want to address that until we know more about Ryan’s situation,” Melvin said.
The Brewers are optimistic Aoki’s success in Japan will translate to the U.S., but acknowledge they won’t really know until they see him play.
沒有意外的話, 釀酒人與青木宣親即將達成2年的合約.
青木目前30歲, 在日職的7個球季中, 有6個球季打擊率3成以上, 3次央聯打擊王, 2005年新人王, 獲得6次金手套獎.
外野的補強對於釀酒人來說相當重要, 尤其是Ryan Braun的案情尚未明朗的時候 (有可能被禁賽50場)
