Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki signs with Milwaukee Brewers – MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers made another smart move on Tuesday, January 17, to sign Norichika Aoki to a two-year deal. Having an option for 2014, the deal gets finalised at a propitious time for the Milwaukee Brewers considering the recent ups and downs that the
club has witnessed.
From the failed drug test of the hitter Ryan Braun, who faces a 50-game suspension if his appeal gets rejected, to the departure of the slugger Prince Fielder, the Brewers’ roster will have conspicuous absence of powerful athletes.
However, the club is not willing to give any such impression. This was the reason why the Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki, who remains the three-time Japanese batting Champion, has now been inducted in the team, giving a new look to the club.
The deal came at a time when the deadline had almost reached its end. The Milwaukee Brewers had to make the decision prior to 4 p.m. on Tuesday to complete the deal or potentially lose a strong player competing along with other outfielders of the team.
With 84 homers that he has hit, his batting average of .329 with 385 RBIs to his credit in 985 games. Similarly, he remains to be a six-time Golden Glove Award winner as, along with being the Rookie of the Year in 2005.
However, where the club places him is a question that has not been answered. While he seems a good contender to have his place secured in the outfield, the team general manager Doug Melvin contends it will be decided after Spring Training.
"He never asked about [playing time], he's just confident that he can come over and show us his skill set," Melvin said. "He wants the challenge of playing here in Major League Baseball. He's met a lot of challenges in Japan. He's won batting titles, he's
won Gold Gloves, he's been an All-Star. You have to talk to him, but I think he [likes] the challenges of coming over here."
There happens to be no doubt about the credentials of this strong player. With his arrival in the Brewers, the team will now feel ever more emboldened when it comes to offence.
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