Norichika Aoki's workout for the Brewers yesterday in Phoenix lasted 75 minutes, reports Nikkan Sports as translated by NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman. GM Doug Melvin, manager Ron Roenicke, and owner Mark Attanasio were among those present, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "It was a good workout. He's probably the kind of player you'd expect, coming from Japan," said Melvin.
The Brewers have until 4pm central time on January 17th to sign Aoki, or else the Yakult Swallows must refund the $2.5MM posting fee. The Brewers are still deciding whether to make an offer. The Brewers conducted a physical exam for Aoki this morning to buy themselves some time, reports MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.
Aoki, a 30-year-old outfielder, hit .292/.358/.360 for the Swallows this year and would assume a bench role for Milwaukee.
If I’m not mistaken the money doesn’t have to be refunded.
You’re mistaken.
You are most defiantly mistaken
Nope. I looked it up. The money doesn’t HAVE to be refunded but it most certainly will. Any Japanese team that wouldn’t would risk not having any team bid on one of their players in the future.
Off topic but I’m sure one will be made though, Barry Larkin is the newest member of the HOF.
Literally seconds apart lol
They ought to sign him and dump Morgan. His slash line was down in 2011 as NPB switched to a ball more similar to the one used in the US. I think his numbers in 2011 are pretty representative of what he will do in the states.
He’s a good outfielder and base runner as well — arm is pretty average, maybe a tick below.
If I were Aoki, I’d tell them to pound salt. Stay in Japan another year and be an unrestricted FA next year. Going from a badass star outfielder in Japan to a 4th outfielder just for a chance to play in the US? Yeah… No way. Slap in the face, really.
Would FA help him that much though? The Brewers won the posting bid with only $2.5m, so interest in Aoki couldn’t be very high to begin with.
“He’s probably the kind of player you’d expect, coming from Japan”, probably taken out of context, but what does this mean/insinuate?
I heard he’s nothing special. Just an Aoki player.
“His numbers in Japan aren’t all that impressive”
lol. Career .408 OBP, only player *ever* with two 200+ hit seasons.