Norichika Aoki hits for the Swallows in 2009

The Milwaukee Brewers won the right to negotiate a contract with center fielder Norichika Aoki who has been playing for the Yakult Swallows, a Japanese team located in Tokyo. The Brewers have until mid January to work out a deal with the 29-year-old Aoki, a three-time Central League batting champion. The news reports point out that Aoki batted .292 with four home runs and 44 RBIs in 144 games for the Swallows this past season. That doesn’t sound like much to get excited about. However, Aoki had an off year (even though the Swallows had a great year, for once, in 2011) that the media isn’t pointing out. In the six prior seasons he averaged about .340 with about 15 home runs, 64 RBIs (on a lousy team with fewer games than MLB), and 20+ stolen bases. In 2010 he hit .358!

Norichika Aoki in center field for the Yakult Swallows

When I went to the Swallows’ game, Aoki batted third and many, many fans were wearing his jersey. I hope the Brewers sign him and he does well for them.

Posted on December 28th, 2011 under Japan • Tags: baseball. • RSS 2.0 feed • Both comments and pings are currently closed