NFL lockout could lead to quarterback Jake Locker playing baseball for the Angels

University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker is a couple months from being drafted by an NFL team, but in 2009 he was also a 10th-round pick in the MLB draft and signed for a $250,000 bonus that gives the Angels his baseball rights through 2015.

Angels general manager Tony Reagins talked to Mark Saxon of ESPNLA.com about Locker’s status and suggested that he may choose to play baseball if there’s an NFL work stoppage:

I think there are some factors out there that are going to make his decisions more difficult. The labor situation is one, where he’s selected is one of them. Our eyes are wide open in this regard and we’ll see how it plays out. You always have a chance.

Locker’s football stock has dipped somewhat, but he’s still likely to be a high-round pick who’ll receive more than $250,000 to sign with an NFL team. However, if there’s no football to be played in 2011 he’s a legitimate outfield prospect and the Angels have enough invested in him to give him an extended opportunity in the minors.