The Yomiuri Giants said Saturday they will acquire the services of former Seibu Lions outfielder Tatsuya Ozeki after he passed a tryout with the Central League club.
Tatsuya Ozeki
Ozeki gave up on his desire to pursue a career in the major leagues after learning that there are no available spots for foreign minor league players with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week.
"I would like to start from fresh as if I am a rookie," said Ozeki. The 29-year-old 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.
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.