If New York Mets manager Terry Collins gets his way, Tim Tebow will be suiting up and playing for his team during spring training.
On Tuesday, Collins told the gathered media at the Winter Meetings that he’d like to see the former Heisman Trophy winner get a real opportunity to showcase his skills this spring, which would obviously include getting playing time during Grapefruit League action.
TC wants to have Tebow play in spring training games.— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 6, 2016
Even if Tebow isn't invited to camp, TC says he'll make it a point to bring him over for games in big league spring training.— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 6, 2016
Those groans you hear aren’t just coming from National Harbor, site of the 2016 Winter Meetings. They’re coming from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Florida and all points in between.
The Tebow baseball experiment was fun for a hot-minute and perhaps even interesting for a couple minutes longer. He didn’t appear to be anything close to a contributor though during his recent stint in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), and the idea that he might take several at-bats and defensive innings away from someone who could contribute sooner than later seems rather absurd.
For a little perspective on Tebow’s AFL struggles, he hit 194 (12-of-62) with three doubles over 19 games. That equaled an abysmal .242 slugging percentage. And while he did show a keen eye at the plate, drawing eight walks, he also struck out 20 times in 70 plate appearances.
This isn’t to say Tebow can’t still develop his baseball skills. His work ethic is undeniable and his athleticism is world class. But the reality is he’s 29 years old right now, and he’s about where an average 19-year-old prospect might be in terms of his development. That doesn’t leave much room for upside, and attempting to accelerate that development against major-league and top-level minor league talent might actually set him back.
The AFL was a good testing ground for Tebow. Though again, he probably took away an opportunity from someone who could have actually turned some heads. Regardless, it confirmed that he’s not close to helping a major league team. And it also confirmed that his best current asset is to help drive ticket sales and interest, which is why the Mets might not need much prodding to suit him up come spring.
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