Petal (Miss.) High outfielder Anthony Alford might have been a first-round pick had teams been convinced that he was willing to play baseball. In late April, he informed clubs that he was intent on playing football and baseball at Southern Mississippi instead of turning pro. Rated No. 36 on the BA 500, Alford dropped to the Blue Jays and pick No. 112 in the third round.

Two sources informed Baseball America today that Alford will sign with the Jays, who will allow him to play football for the Golden Eagles. His bonus hasn't been confirmed yet, but may be close to double the $424,400 value assigned to the 112th overall pick.

Update: Alford's bonus was $750,000.

The first player in Mississippi history to win the state's Gatorade football player of the year award as both a junior and senior, Alford quarterbacked Petal to the 6-A state championship game last fall. He passed for 2,058 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,731 yards and another 24 scores. The 6-foot, 200-pounder offers tantalizing potential on the diamond as well as an outfielder with plus-plus speed and good power potential.