Aoki and Mariners $5.5 million deal

Nori Aoki expressed only a few words in English duringDrew Nowak Jerseyhis introduction as the latest addition to the Mariners' offseason makeover. They were words everyone in Seattle could appreciate, though. ''I came to Seattle for the coffee,'' Aoki said with a chuckle, ''and also to win the World Series.'' The Mariners finalized ahttp://www.officialseahawksnflstore.com/AUTHENTIC+EARL+THOMAS+III+JERSEY $5.5 million, one-year contract with Aoki on Thursday, including a $6 million conditional option for the 2017 season for the free-agent outfielder. By landing another one of their offseason targets, the Mariners found their prospective leadoff hitter and a versatile player that general manager Jerry Dipoto expects to see time at all three outfield positions. Aoki will primarily be a left fielder for Seattle, but will move around as part of a five-man rotation including Seth Smith, Franklin Gutierrez, Leonys Martin and Nelson Cruz. ''This team already has a lot of great hitters ... so I feel as long as I can get on base I'm going to have a lot of chances to http://www.officialseahawksnflstore.com/AUTHENTIC+FRANK+CLARK+JERSEYscore and contribute,'' Aoki said through an interpreter. Seattle announced completion of the deal after Aoki passed an extensive physical following an injury-filled 2015 season. It was a closely watched examination, largely because Aoki missed most of September because of post-concussion symptoms. Aoki was hit in the head by a pitch from NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta in early August and after sitting out three days, ran into the wall while making a catch when he returned, Cedric Peerman Jerseyprompting Aoki to be placed on the seven-day concussion list. Aoki returned on Aug. 20, but the Giants announced in early September that he was suffering from post-concussion symptoms and did not play after Sept. 3. Aoki said he's beenhttp://www.officialbengalsnflstore.com/AUTHENTIC+CLINT+BOLING+JERSEYfeeling fine and completing his offseason workout program. ''We're very comfortable with the results,'' Dipoto said. Aoki also had a broken leg last Season and played just 93 games. San Francisco turned down a $5.5 million option on Aoki and he immediately landed on Dipoto's radar. When healthy, Aoki's athleticism and flexibility fit what Seattle is seeking under the new general manager. Aoki is a career .287 hitter, with a .353 on-base percentage in his four seasons since coming over from Japan. But his numbers are remarkably consistent. Aoki's never hit higher than .288 and never lower than .285. His on-base percentage has ranged from .349 to .356. He also has a low strikeout rate and more career walks than strikeouts.