Tim Tebow batting eighth in spring debut vs. Red Sox
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Welcome, Tim.
Here's Rick Porcello.
Tim Tebow will make his Grapefruit League debut today against the Boston Red Sox, and the ex-quarterback will bat eighth and serve as the designated hitter. His first test at-bat is slated to come against to Porcello, the reigning AL Cy Young.
The New York Mets made it clear Tebow will appear in Grapefruit League games throughout spring training despite Tebow being in minor league camp, and he's also slated to play Friday, when he may play an outfield position. Tebow helps draw a crowd, and the Mets are aware there are fans who want to see him.
“I don’t think he’s going to make our team but I think it’s great for the organization and great for the fans," Mets manager Terry Collins said Monday. "He’s a pretty famous guy and it will be fun to get him out there.”
There is plenty of skepticism about whether Tebow will succeed in reaching the majors, and will have to improve upon his poor showing in the Arizona Fall League when he hit just .194 against some of the game's best prospects. To be fair, the quarterback deserves some slack for that performance due to his long layoff from the sport, but he's going to have to eventually hit if he wants to progress through the Mets minor league system.
Facing Porcello is quite a difficult task for Tebow in his first at-bat of camp, but it should get a little easier as the game progresses and Boston puts relievers into the game. A large crowd is expected today at First Data Field, and there should be a fair share of fans there just to see Tebow
Ehalt wirites for the Bergen County Record, part of the Paste BN Network