A HIGHER POWER
Tebow's debut at Single-A St. Lucie rained out
PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow’s debut with High Single-A St. Lucie was postponed Tuesday by a ferocious storm that blew through half an hour before first pitch was scheduled at First Data Field.
It was almost as if someone didn’t approve of his call-up from Single-A Columbia.
Bolts of lightning and loud cracks of thunder sent many fans scurrying from their seats, but a few brave — or foolish — souls stayed next to the Mets’ dugout in hopes of grabbing Tebow’s autograph. They’ll have to wait, but for what? Scouts remain down on the former Heisman Trophy winner and ex-Jet quarterback, with one opposing scout who watched him with Columbia calling Tebow “the worst defensive outfielder in the minors” and that his swing “was stiffer than stiff.”
Like everyone else who seems to have come across Tebow, though, all the scouts who have watched him said they respected his effort, but wondered how much longer the journey would continue.
On Tuesday, though, Tebow made his way back to Port St. Lucie, despite lackluster results with Columbia.
General manager Sandy Alderson said Sunday the team looked at his improved exit velocity and chase rate as justification for the promotion.
But Alderson also acknowledged the 29-year-old Tebow doesn’t have forever to get his career going.
In 64 games before his promotion, Tebow had an OPS of .648, with three homers, 23 RBIs, 24 walks and 69 strikeouts in 244 plate appearances.
“It’s not something I thought about or was focused on,’’ Tebow said of his promotion. “I just listened to what my coaches and manager [said] and got the call. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Another scout said he “wouldn’t bet against” Tebow because of his competitive nature, but was skeptical because of his lack of baseball skill.
Still, Tebow vowed to keep plugging away — though he wouldn’t play along when asked if he saw himself getting to Citi Field.
“It’s a great question because it would be a great headline, but it’s not something I’m focused on,” said Tebow, whose first game for St. Lucie now will be Wednesday in a doubleheader against Palm Beach. He was slated to hit eighth and play left field Tuesday.
“You root for the Mets and watch their games. I got to be friends with a lot of guys on their team, [but] I’m playing with the Port St. Lucie Mets right now,’’ Tebow said. “That’s where my focus has to be.”
Regarding his move to High-A, Tebow said: “I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m gonna just put my head down and try to work and be better every day.”
Tebow seems to have that attitude about every part of his life.
He did admit: “I’ve got a long way to go, but I feel like I’m making progress every day.”
Though everyone else is speculating about where Tebow’s career will take him, he declined.
“I think the ‘ What-ifs’ are a scary thing to think about as an athlete,’’ Tebow said. “The things you should really lock in on are the day-to-day. I get today. Tomorrow is not promised and I’m going to make the most of today.”
So are the Mets, who were set to draw a significantly larger crowd than normal Tuesday night before the rain came.
“It’s been a little bit of a whirlwind in a less than a year of doing this, playing baseball,” Tebow said during a pregame press conference.
That’s an understatement.