MAILBAG

Here's the first installment of our Mailbag post where YOU get to send in questions or topics to me on facebook or on Twitter @kendrick_fruits. So without further adieu, here is what's in the mailbag this week.


"TIM TEBOW. Whatever you wanna write about his baseball career. I just wanna see something about Tim Tebow."

-Kevin, UNCW


Well, Kevin, there's not too much to say quite yet. Here's what we do know at this point. Tebow has signed a minor league deal with the Mets and has been sent to Port St. Lucie for Instructional League. From there, the Mets will decide whether they will send him to the Arizona Fall League or not. Some early reports indicate that Tebow could begin the season as high up as AA but I think that's asking a lot from a guy who hasn't played organized ball in over 10 years. 

As far as his tools go, the calling card for Tebow will be power. On the 20-80 scale that scouts use to rank a player's tools, Tebow scores around a 60 for raw power, which is very impressive for a guy who, as we said earlier, hasn't swung a bat in a while. But in order for power to mean anything, he has to first make contact and this may be one of the biggest things for him to work on in instructional league. During his tryout, he struggled once the speeds of the pitches increased, and he will have to re-learn how to recognize breaking pitches all over again. In the field, Tebow showed off his wheels and had very good closing speed. His throwing arm needs work (ironic for a former QB) and most scouts expect his defense to improve with more reps.

Tebow reports to Instructional League on Sunday, September 18th. It is a low risk investment for the Mets, at least in the beginning, as instructional league is just what it sounds like. Roster spots, at-bats, and instruction isn't limited so Tebow isn't "taking anyone's spot" as some people have accused him of doing. Rather, he's just (for now) another long shot prospect who is getting in some extra work.