There were some strange goings-on in the attempts by Japanese stars Hiroyuki Nakajima and Norichika Aoki to leave their clubs and carve out careers in the major leagues via the posting system.
We already know Nakajima's negotiations with the New York Yankees were not successful, and he will be returning to the Seibu Lions for the 2012 season. Aoki is supposedly negotiating with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the deadline for reaching a deal comes up in a few days, at 7 a.m. Japan time on Wednesday.
It was surprising to many when it was revealed the highest posting bid for shortstop Nakajima was made by the Yankees, who have the left side of their infield covered by superstars Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. The conclusion was Nakajima would be a backup and maybe an insurance policy in case Jeter or A-Rod become injured.