Jake Locker has a future as a professional athlete. That much is a given. But its the sport he plays that could remain in question.
If the NFL locks out, should Jake Locker consider baseball?
Locker was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Draft as an outfielder. He received a $300,000 signing bonus, which gave the Angels Locker’s baseball rights for six years.
If there is a lockout in the NFL, Locker could join the Angels’ spring training and participate with one of their minor league teams. In fact, the Angels expect Locker to this year.
“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.”
That option for Locker could be a good one. Lets say the NFL gets locked out and he attends spring training and starts knocking the ball around the park and is an ace in center field. What then? Should Locker take a chance at baseball for a few years?
As it is, Locker’s NFL Draft projection ranges anywhere from the top 10 of the first round to anywhere in the second.
However, if Locker did decide to play baseball for a few years and rejoined football, it could be difficult for him. As we’ve seen with Chris Weinke and Drew Henson, a few years away from the game can be disastrous for a quarterback.
To Locker’s credit, though, he’s a much better natural athlete. That’s why giving baseball a try might not be a bad thing – especially considering the tenuous NFL labor agreement.
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