Jake Locker May Join Angels in Spring Training

[EmpireWF]

Interesting possibility if there is a lockout in the NFL.

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/2/13/1991298/if-the-nfl-locks-out-should-jake-locker-consider-baseball#storyjump

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/02/if-nfl-players-are-locked-out-angels-could-extended-look-at-jake-locker.html

The Angels are monitoring negotiations between the NFL and its players union to determine whether Jake Locker, the University of Washington quarterback who is expected to be a top 10 pick in this spring's NFL draft, might be available to play more baseball this spring.

The Angels selected Locker, an athletic center fielder with power, in the 10th round of the 2009 draft and signed him for $300,000, knowing full well he may not play baseball for them. The bonus secured Locker's rights for six years and assures he would join the Angels organization if his football career does not pan out.

Locker's contract includes "parameters" for him to participate in spring training, and it is believed to include provisions for him to play or train with one of the Angels' minor league affiliates when there are breaks in his football training and playing schedule.

If the NFL owners and players are unable to reach a deal on a collective bargaining agreement by a March 3 deadline, and the players are locked out for an extended period of time, a sizable window could open up for Locker, who completed his senior season of football in 2010, to play in the minor leagues this season.

"He has a contractual obligation [to be in camp], and the expectation is he will fulfill it," General Manager Tony Reagins told Bill Shaikin of The Times on Thursday. "We're abreast of the situation. We don't know what's going to happen with the NFL. Right now, Jake has options."

[FUSE]

Doesn't him signing a contract with the Angels violate NCAA rules? Or does he need to commit to playing baseball to be declared ineligible for the NCAA?

[EmpireWF]

Doesn't him signing a contract with the Angels violate NCAA rules? Or does he need to commit to playing baseball to be declared ineligible for the NCAA?

Locker is done with school. No more NCAA involvement. Strictly between whatever team drafts him in April and the Angels if there is a lockout.

[NAHSTE]

I remembered hearing something about him playing summer ball a few years back, so I googled:

Locker spent some time two summers ago playing with the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League – a summer league primarily for college baseball players. Locker hit .273 with three RBIs and one homer in 10 games.

Intriguing stuff. Could make it to the show as a 4th outfielder if he actually wanted to. I am sure by the time his football career is more set in stone this will be an afterthought though.

[NAHSTE]

I remembered hearing something about him playing summer ball a few years back, so I googled:

Locker spent some time two summers ago playing with the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League – a summer league primarily for college baseball players. Locker hit .273 with three RBIs and one homer in 10 games.

Intriguing stuff. Could make it to the show as a 4th outfielder if he actually wanted to. I am sure by the time his football career is more set in stone this will be an afterthought though.