Because it’s fair to believe it’s just as likely this baseball pursuit is about the part of Tebow’s gut that isn’t quite as wholesome as the one the world loves, rooted in an ego that, in the words of one National Football League coach who worked extensively with Tebow, “needs attention”.
Advertisement
Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy victor, announced last month that he was interested in returning to baseball, attempting an athletic comeback in a sport he has not played since 2005. Tebow, though, could’ve muted some critics by first showing an unswerving dedication to his new chosen sport and second by actually clawing and learning his way to bigs.
It is possible that the Mets could sent Tebow to the Arizona Fall League, as the Mets now have one spot to fill, but that spot will more than likely belong to a pitcher, according to Jon Morosi. “That would be looking back on this journey and saying I did everything I could do to be the best I could be”.
The Mets’ decision was a collaboration between chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy Alderson, who took the plunge despite minimal interaction with the team’s scouting folks or baseball operations people. Unfortunately, all existing time turners were rendered useless during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, so that might not work for Tebow. “Again, we’re mindful of the fact that at age 29, Tim is starting this endeavor, and there’s a certain amount of realism we have to accept”.
I would like to give Tebow the benefit of the doubt here. I love doing (television work) and it’s something I’ll continue to do in the fall. During the week I will be training as hard as I can. I view it as whether I did everything I possibly could do to succeed.
“I’m not anxious about it, practically speaking”, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said.
Tebow: “Everything I have learned on the football field has helped prepare me for this moment”. They’ve dedicated their youth and now their early adulthood to making the major leagues. “From the very outset, we understood he had made a commitment, when he makes a commitment, he follows through, so this is not going to be a significant impediment”.
Alderson insisted it’s not part of the agreement.
The nuts and bolts of the Tebow signing include him reporting to Port St. Lucie on September 18 for an instructional camp that concludes October 8.
While playing in Sin City might give Tebow ample opportunity for proselytizing, it would also mean forcing him to attempt to begin a baseball career against pitchers already ready for the fringes of the Majors, almost all of whom have at least credible breaking pitches. While he recognizes that Tebow faces an uphill battle in many respects, the GM says that the Mets could not pass on “a tremendous opportunity for us to associate with excellence”. Whether that transfers to him being in a major league uniform, that’s to be determined. We can’t control the outcome, we can only enhance the possibility for success.
“I voiced a little skepticism about Tim and his desires at the outset, ” Alderson said, “but much to my surprise, and after due diligence and some scouting on my part and others, we thought it was a good opportunity for the Mets”.
“I think this will run its natural course, ” Alderson said. “Whatever left-handers can play”.
Advertisement
Alderson acknowledged that when Tebow held his workout, not “all the boxes checked off” with high ratings. Wait long enough and we’ll find out. Also, he oversees the YesDesk.
