http://tinyurl.com/8a538nf
The Brewers reportedly submitted a winning $2.5 million bid to negotiate with
Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki, a three-time Central League batting
champion with the Yakult Swallows.
According to a tweet by Yasuko Yanagita of Hochi Shimbun, the Swallows
announced that they accepted the Brewers' bid for Aoki. The Brewers now have
negotiating rights for Aoki for the next 30 days.
The Brewers have not commented on the report or confirmed their status in the
Aoki posting.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed hitter slipped to a .292 average and
four homers in 2011, after going for career highs of a .358 average and 209
hits in 2010. He was the 2005 Central League Rookie of the Year, batting .344
in his first full season.
Aoki will turn 30 on Jan. 5, and could join a Brewers outfield that includes
Ryan Bruan, Corey Hart, Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez. Braun is appealing a
possible 50-game suspension for a reported positive drug test, but general
manager Doug Melvin said the Brewers are "counting on Ryan being in the
lineup."