“We are extremely intrigued with the potential Tim has”, Alderson said.
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Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy victor and former Denver Broncos quarterback, performed decently at his workout on August 30th, showing decent speed for a man his size (Tebow is 6’3 and 245 lbs.) by running the 60 yard dash in roughly 6.70 seconds, as well showing off somewhat decent power in Batting Practice, which included an estimated 430 foot home run.
The amount of the signing bonus was obtained by The Associated Press from a person familiar with the contract who spoke on condition of anonymity because the figure was not announced. Scouts were impressed with his speed and strength, but Tebow struggled against live pitching and rated as a below-average arm for an outfielder.
During the workout, Tebow showed his power with long home runs in batting practice, but he also struggled with off-speed pitches from former Major League Baseball pitchers David Aardsma and Chad Smith.
Alderson acknowledged that when Tebow held his workout, not “all the boxes checked off” with high ratings. It’s a little bit amusing, makes baseball sense and even kind of fits the Mets’ ethos. “There is going to be a little need for instruction and development”.
I can however provide some laughs about this whole situation.
Tim Tebow is officially a member of the New York Mets organization. Or, if you prefer, my problem is that the Mets didn’t negotiate his full commitment to baseball.
Tebow is now working with the SEC Network but wanted to give baseball one more shot.
Alderson replied that that was not the case, although that will not quiet speculation that it is. Prior to this, he had starred for Nease High School in Ponte Vedra, Florida, last playing in 2005 before switching his focus to football for his senior year of high school. “I talked to quite a few of our players and our view is the positives outweighs the negatives”, Phillips said.
The Mets announced Thursday the former quarterback will take part in the Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Could he generate a frenzy of attention in spring training at the expense of the other players? Yes.
Alderson stressing Tebow’s mental makeup and the impact he can have on the younger kids in the minors. “I just want to be someone to pursue what I believe in, what I’m passionate about”. So while it’s incredible to see a former National Football League player switch sports, Tim still has plenty work ahead of him before he makes his debut with “The Amazin’ Mets”. The Mets probably have a few players who could actually use some coaching and instruction, who are younger than Tebow and actually have a future in baseball. Jordan’s time in baseball was undistinguished and he never played in the major leagues.
‘The goal would be to have a career in the big leagues, ‘ Tebow said after the showcase, according to the Major League Baseball website.
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No word yet on how the Mets view Tebow long term, but for now, the ex-NFLer has the shot he hoped for. In August, Jets receiver Eric Decker, who played with Tebow in Denver, guaranteed that a baseball team would sign Tebow. He was a backup for 2012, was released and later was let go during preseason by New England in 2013 and Philadelphia in 2015.
