Brewers and Aoki Reach Deal

Moments before the deadline, the Brewers announced a deal with Japanese superstar Norichika Aoki.  While the terms of the deal have not been released, it is believed to be for two years with a team option for 2014.  Aoki will serve primarily as a member of the outfield platoon, along with Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez.  When you consider that last year our 5th outfielder was Mark Kotsay, I would say Aoki is a major improvement. 

For example, Aoki played his entire eight-year Japanese career with the Yakult Swallows, batting .329 with 84 HR, 385 RBI and 164 stolen bases in 985 games. He was the Central League batting champion in 2005 (.344), 2007 (.346) and 2010 (.358). He won 6 Gold Gloves during his career playing center field.

Aoki has participated in both World Baseball Classic events (2006 and 2009), during which he has a .310 batting average with 8 RBI in 15 games.  Our boy played for Japan in the 2008 Summer Olympics, batting .294 with 1 HR and 7 RBI in 9 games.

So, yeah.  This is way better than Kotsay.  Our fearless leader, GM Doug Melvin, had this to say about today’s signing:

"“He’s a guy that’s had a lot of success in Japan. He’s won Gold Gloves, won batting titles, was an all-star. We think he can utilize those skills on our ballclub and give us some depth in the outfield. He can play all three outfield positions, preferably in center field, left field.  He’s a usable player. He’s going to get an opportunity to play with his first experience in the United States. Spring training will give us a much better read of how he fits into the ball club.”"

That’s right!!  Spring Training is only a month away.  I can not wait to see what this guy can do.  Could he really be that good?  Let’s all hope so.

In “Lou Was Wrong” News

In yesterdays article, I very rudely assumed that K-Rod would not sign a contract for the 2012 season.  That jerk showed me who was boss, by signing a $8 million deal.  Much less than his salary from 2011 ($11.5 M).  So, as the editor of this site…I apologize to K-Rod for insinuating that he would make this more difficult than it needed to be.  Thank you for not milking this cash strapped team for all it was worth, perhaps you are not a bad guy after all.  I hope that in time I can learn to like you. 

In “Kameron Loe Is Back” News

Kameron Loe is Back.  That is the news.  He will make $2.175 million.  This is a good signing because our bullpen needs him.  It is as simple as that. 

In “That’s All The News” News

That’s all the news, as of 9:32 PM CST.  I reserve the right to update this article between now and tomorrow evening.