Aoki excited about move to major leagues

By JIM ARMSTRONG
AP Sports Writer

TOKYO (AP) -- Even with a significant cut in salary, Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki has declared himself pleased to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers signed Aoki on Tuesday to a two-year deal with a club option for 2014. The deal is reported to be worth $2.25 million plus incentives. Aoki made $4.2 million last season with the Yakult Swallows in Japan.

Aoki said at a news conference Friday that he's "just happy to get the opportunity to play in the major leagues. It's something that has been a dream of mine for quite some time."

The 30-year-old outfielder hit over .300 in six of his seven full seasons and was a three-time batting champion in Japan's Central League.