"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin just said he is "close" to a deal with Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki. The sides have until 4 p.m. to do a deal or the club loses negotiating rights.

Melvin made the comment at the end of the press conference introducing Craig Counsell as a new member of the front office. He would not say if the negotiations involve a one-year deal or more.

"I don't want to say until something is done," he said."