Taste of the town

MILWAUKEE — Tim Tebow is headed to the New York area for a few days, but will still be light years away from Citi Field.

Even so, Mets officials like what they have seen from the former Heisman Trophy winner. He is ready to face the Lakewood (N.J.) Blueclaws for Single-A Columbia of the South Atlantic League.

Tebow had a .327/.413/.436 slash line over his last 16 games, entering Friday. Overall, he had a more modest .250/.330/.370 slash line.

“Everything I hear about him is positive, statistically he is faring pretty well,” general manager Sandy Alderson said before the Mets faced the Brewers on Friday. “Especially for a guy who is playing organized baseball for the first time in many years and the first time professionally. He’s meshed well with his teammates, the coaching staff there is very complimentary and he’s putting in all the time and making all the effort.”

A club source recently indicated there has been discussion about promoting Tebow within the minors, but any move likely would not occur until after the South Atlantic League All-Star game next month.

Alderson downplayed talk of a Tebow promotion.

“He’s making good progress, and I think that’s all we need to know at this point,” Alderson said.

The Blueclaws said limited tickets remain for their series against Columbia that begins Saturday and runs through Tuesday.

AP (2) HE WILL RISE? Tim Tebow, who is also known for his fan interaction (inset), and his Columbia team will play four games at the Lakewood (N.J.) Blueclaws starting Saturday. Sources said the Mets have talked about promoting him within the minor leagues,...