Seahawks' Wilson won't play in Cactus League games

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is coming to Rangers camp but is not going to play in a Cactus League game.

"This guy is a Super Bowl champ," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "They don't want him to come down here and get hurt. The guy hasn't seen a pitch. I'm not running him up there. It ain't going to happen."

Wilson will be in uniform on Monday when the Rangers play the Indians in Surprise. The Rangers took Wilson in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings from the Rockies organization. He was a fourth-round pick by the Rockies in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft and played two seasons at the Class A level in 2010-11 before devoting himself full-time to football.

"We're just going to bring him in here, let him get acclimated, let him speak to the guys and let him enjoy his day at the ballpark," Washington said. "Our intention is to bring him in here and try and see if there is anything he can say that can help anybody wearing a baseball uniform. The guy is a winner, he has tremendous character and attitude and he is committed to what he does. That's what we're about. We just want him to feel comfortable."

One player who is looking forward to meeting Wilson is infielder Brent Lillibridge, who is in camp on a Minor League contract. Lillibridge is from the Seattle area, played baseball at the University of Washington and is a big Seahawks fan.

"It was probably the most boring Super Bowl of all-time but for us Hawks fans it was unbelievable," Lillibridge said. "I know he's going to be hounded and it's kind of a unique situation, what he's doing, especially a Super Bowl champ coming here and strapping it on as a baseball player for a little bit. It's cool he has the time to do it and I'm looking forward to at least shaking hands and hopefully having one of my jerseys signed. Looking forward to shaking the champ's hand."