"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told me this morning that he expects the workout of Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki to take place sometime this weekend in Phoenix.

Melvin didn't want to specify the exact day and time of the workout at the team's Maryvale Baseball Park facility because it will be closed to media and fans.

"It's going to be a private workout," said Melvin. "We want to take a look at him and visit with him."

The Brewers won the right to negotiate with Aoki, 29, by posting the winning bid of $2.5 million to his team, the Yakult Swallows of Tokyo. A left-handed hitter known for making contact as a leadoff-type hitter, Aoki has won three batting crowns in Japan. Last season with Yakult, Aoki batted .292, but the previous season he hit a career-best .358 with 209 hits.

The Brewers have until Jan. 17 to work out a deal with the 5-10, 170-pound Aoki or they will be refunded their posting bid and he will return to Yakult."