Feb. 13, 2009

Oliver Reinstated at Oklahoma State

Andrew Oliver, a junior left-hander from Oklahoma State, was reinstated on Thursday when an Ohio judge threw out an NCAA rule preventing college players from hiring advisers who are in direct contact with major league teams.

The NCAA suspended Oliver last May after it said his advisers listened in on contract negotiations with the Minnesota Twins after he was drafted out of Vermilion High School in June 2006.

Erie County Common Pleas Judge Tygh Tone ruled that the NCAA can’t restrict a player’s right to have legal assistance while negotiating a major league contract.

Oliver was 7-2 last season in 15 appearances, of which 14 were starts, with a 2.20 ERA. He fanned 96 in 98.1 innings.