Ochoa takes Millar's place with Japan's Chunichi Dragons

TOKYO -- Former Angels outfielder Alex Ochoa agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday with the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese league. He replaces Kevin Millar, who backed out of a deal with the team to join the Boston Red Sox.

Ochoa reportedly will arrive in Japan as early as this week to officially complete the deal.

The 30-year-old outfielder played for the World Series champion Anaheim Angels last year, batting .227 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 65 at-bats. He signed a minor-league deal and was invited to spring training with the Cardinals at the end of the season.

Millar agreed in early January to a $6.2 million, two-year contract with the Dragons, who paid $1.2 million to the Florida Marlins for Millar's rights.

Florida then released Millar, who later changed his mind and decided he didn't want to play in Japan. The Red Sox signed him last weekend.

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