Since being selected in the tenth round of last June’s MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels, Jake Locker has been unequivocal in his statements that his focus is on the Washington football program.
Even after signing a deal with the Angels Sunday night, the focus remained.
Now, however, comes a report from the Orange County Register that Locker’s focus may not be totally on football next year.
Angels general manager Tony Reagins very strongly intimated that there are stipulations in Locker’s deal that could require him to participate in spring training and/or minor league summer ball next season.
In fact, Reagins said it’s “likely” Locker will do both.
“He’ll be in our system at some point,” Reagins told the Register. “The parameters are outlined in the contract. We’ll work with him to make sure he gets the most out of baseball while realizing the commitment he has to continue playing football.”
So, what does this mean for the Huskies?
In all likelihood, not much.
Next year, Locker will have three years of college football under his belt. If Washington commences spring ball around the same time they did this year — the beginning of April, if I’m not mistaken — the Angels will have wrapped up spring training by then and he’d be able to be a full participant for the Huskies.
As for summer ball, he’d miss some of the strength & conditioning programs, as well as player-organized drills. But again, he’s a veteran, not some true freshman just coming into the program.
All in all, it’s really a no-lose situation for both the player in the school.
Not only does Locker pick up some nice pocket coin from a signing bonus that ranges anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on the report you read — and perhaps more if he plays stick & ball next year per his contract — but Washington will pick up a scholarship slot as Locker was forced to give his up and pay his own way.
So, yeah, this was a win-win all the way around.
