The Brewers agree to a two-year contract with Norichika Aoki, a three-time batting champion in Japan. The Brewers had won the right to negociate with Aoki through the posting system and the contract agreement just beats a 4 p.m. deadline to reach a deal, barring which Aoki would have returned to the Yakult Swallows.

ByTom

The Brewers agree to a two-year contract with Norichika Aoki, a three-time batting champion in Japan. The Brewers had won the right to negociate with Aoki through the posting system and the contract agreement just beats a 4 p.m. deadline to reach a deal, barring which Aoki would have returned to the Yakult Swallows.

Bad news for the Tigers as they learn that DH/C Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL during off-season training and is likely lost for the season. Also on the injury front, Boston’s Carl Crawford has surgery on his left wrist and is doubtful for Opening Day.

ByTom

Bad news for the Tigers as they learn that DH/C Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL during off-season training and is likely lost for the season. Also on the injury front, Boston’s Carl Crawford has surgery on his left wrist and is doubtful for Opening Day.

A record is set as eligible players file for salary arbitration today. Giants P Tim Lincecum asks for a salary of $21.5 million – which is not a record – and his team offers him $17 million – which is. Roger Clemens had requested $22 million from the Astros before the 2005 season. Meanwhile, some 80 eligible players sign deals with their teams, the largest being the $15 million agreed to between the Phillies and P Cole Hamels.

ByTom

A record is set as eligible players file for salary arbitration today. Giants P Tim Lincecum asks for a salary of $21.5 million – which is not a record – and his team offers him $17 million – which is. Roger Clemens had requested $22 million from the Astros before the 2005 season. Meanwhile, some 80 eligible players sign deals with their teams, the largest being the $15 million agreed to between the Phillies and P Cole Hamels.