"The Milwaukee Brewers will work out Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki this weekend in Phoenix to determine whether they will pursue signing him for 2012.

General manager Doug Melvin on Wednesday confirmed the workout but didn't disclose the exact day or time it will be held at the team's training 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, in December. A left-handed hitter known for making contact as a leadoff type, Aoki has won three batting crowns in Japan.

Last season with Yakult, Aoki batted only .292 but the previous season he hit a career-best .358 with 209 hits."