A's sign Japanese SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

[Providence A's]

Oakland A's agree to sign shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, report says - ESPN

The people spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because there had yet to be a formal announcement. The AL West champion A's called a news conference for Tuesday afternoon described as a "major announcement."

Nakajima agreed to a $6.5 million, two-year contract. The deal also includes a $5.5 million option for a third season, one of the people said.

Nakajima, a seven-time Pacific League All-Star, has a .302 batting average with 149 home runs, 664 RBIs and 134 stolen bases over 11 seasons with Seibu.

This could be really good. I'm hoping for at least league average instead of the potential black hole we were going to have. Anything else is gravy. I'm thinking he'll be better than average, but we'll see. I'm happy with this given the internal options or giving up pitching specs to acquire Cabrera from Cleveland.

And by the time he's done, last year's 1st round pick SS Addison Russel should be just about ready to take over.

[Providence A's]

A’s signing two-year, $6.5 million deal with Hiroyuki Nakajima | Oakland Athletics : The Drumbeat | an SFGate.com blog

More info including a video clip of him.