Aoki Deadline Approaches, Brewers Make Offer

As first reported by Tom Haudricourt, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Brewers and Norichika Aoki‘s agent have exchanged offers.  Brewers GM Doug Melvin had this to say:

"“We made an offer to him and they gave us a proposal back. That’s where it’s at. We’re going to look at this versus the other outfield options out there. We’re evaluating it.”"

The deadline to finalize a deal, with the Japanese super star, is Tuesday.  So, time is of the utmost.

Should the two sides not agree on a deal by Tuesday, Norichika would be shipped back to Japan…probably UPS.  The good news, would come in the form of a $2.5M dollar refund from the Yakult Swallws baseball organization.  Everyone likes money.  The Brewers could probably put that money to pretty good use right about now.  I digress.

I am completely on the fence about this.  There are things I like about it and things that bug me about it.  Aoki will certainly make the team better, but do we really need another outfielder?  Does the team already know Ryan Braun‘s fate?  If that is the case, then they better make sure that their offer is reasonable for a player who is only going to be a starter for two months.  Do not over pay this guy.  Let’s take a page from the Cubs “I’m So Fukudome’d” book.  Pay the man what he is worth.  No other MLB teams have been knocking down his door, so in my mind there is no pressure.  If he wants to play here, then I am confident he will. 

Tomorrow we are going to talk about the Cincinati Reds.  I know that goes against everything I should stand for, but I am a man who believes in knowing thy enemy.  This off-season has been very exciting for the men in red.  It is time we start looking at a much improved team.  Remember, the Reds won the NL Central just one season ago.  We’ll take a closer look tomorrow.

Go Packers!!!  Go Brewers!!!