As you know, former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is planning to give baseball a try. He was a legitimate baseball prospect in high school, though his football success took him to the University of Florida.
Tebow, now 29, will work out for MLB clubs on Aug. 30 in Los Angeles. He is currently getting himself ready in Arizona and has faced former big-league closer David Aardsma several times in recent weeks. Aardsma came away impressed following their most recent workout session earlier this week. Here's what he told Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News:
"When I walked away, as a pitcher, I was pretty impressed," said Aardsma, who saved 69 games for Seattle from 2009-2010 and is aiming for a big-league return. "He needs to see a lot more pitching and understand what the pitcher is watching and seeing from him and adjusting. That's not something you know until you're in it.
"I'd get him to instructs (instructional league), work his butt and get him to play winter league. Get him on the field every day, facing different pitchers. I would not be surprised if he's in Double-A next year. I'd put the talent there right now."
Aardsma also said Tebow really "wants to grind it out" in the minors and not take any shortcuts. He wants to be like any other player trying to make it to the big leagues.
Of course, Tebow is not like any other player trying to make it to the big leagues. He's a high-profile person and some folks aren't going to be happy he is trying baseball on what seems like a whim. That includes potential teammates.
I have no problem whatsoever with Tebow wanting to trying baseball as long he doesn't get preferential treatment, and I don't think he will. Some team is going to sign him based on his athleticism and physicality. I have little doubt. All he wants is a chance, not a guarantee.
Will Tebow be successful at baseball? Eh, I'm skeptical. It's been a long time since he's swung a bat regularly, and it's tough to rebuild a rhythm after a layoff like that. This is going to be a real challenge for Tebow. Facing Aardsma, who readily admits he is not a big-league caliber pitcher at the moment, on a high school field is much different than going through the day-to-day grind of pro baseball.