In what has become a bizarre beginning to the Milwaukee Brewers’ off-season, the notion continues with a $2.5 million bid to win the rights to Japanese Outfielder Norichika Aoki.
Aoki is one of the best hitters in Japan and has posted a .336 career batting average during his first seven seasons.
If the Brewers can strike a deal in the next 30 days, he will join a crowded outfield consisting of Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and Nyjer Morgan. With a deal like this, you can’t happened but wonder whether Braun really will miss 50 games or if a trade involving Hart or Morgan is in the works.
Last season, Aoki put up a .292/.358/.360 split which was a considerable slump from his 2010 numbers (.358/.435/.509). Nonetheless, he’s still considered one of the best pure hitters overseas and some have went as far to compare him to the great Ichiro.
He’s not a great defender and does not have a great throwing arm. That would most likely put him in left field, the spot where Braun reigns supreme right now. With Braun involved in a full blown investigation regarding his positive test for a banned substance, can you really blame the team for exploring their options?
The signing of Aramis Ramirez to a three-year deal all but confirmed that Prince Fielder won’t be back in Milwaukee in the near future. With that said, the Brewers have to be looking to make up some production, especially if Braun has to sit out a lengthy suspension.
While Brewers GM Doug Melvin wouldn’t admit it, a move like this has to suggest the Brewers feel Braun will ultimately be suspended for his positive test for a banned substance.
What do you think about the chasing of outfielder Norichika Aoki? Do you think the Brewers truly feel Ryan Braun will be suspended for his positive test for a banned substance? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.