Former Seibu Lions outfielder Tatsuya Ozeki is set to sign a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers shortly, baseball sources said Wednesday.
Ozeki was released by the Lions after the 2005 season, when he struggled to a .198 batting average with no homers and one RBI in 47 games. The 29-year-old will report to the Brewers' minor league camp in Phoenix, Arizona, after completing the signing.
During a tryout in Los Angeles last weekend, Ozeki gained recognition for his defensive capabilities.
"Despite a minor league contract, I'm glad to have been recognized. I'll try to make what seems impossible happen and make it to the majors," Ozeki said.
Ozeki joined the Lions in 1995 as their second-round draft pick and was named the Pacific League Rookie of the Year in 1998. His best season came in 2002 when he hit .314 with four homers, 50 RBIs and 153 hits in 135 games.