Tim Tebow’s much-anticipated baseball workout drew mixed reviews.
Tebow, who’s attempting to transition from NFL quarterback to Major League Baseball outfielder at age 29, showcased his skills for MLB scouts Tuesday in Los Angeles. Based on various reports, it sounds like Tebow didn’t embarrass himself, though it also sounds like he didn’t wow too many people, either.
The most impressive aspect of Tebow’s workout, according to many in attendance, was the raw power he displayed during batting practice. A left-handed hitter, Tebow hit eight or nine balls over the fence at USC’s Dedeaux Field — depending on who you ask — and that caught some scouts’ attention.
The Story: https://t.co/AigAhLo5txhttps://t.co/J2IFGfhFps
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow hit this ball well out, scout estimated at 430, hit another one over Dedeux Field scoreboard by 20 feet pic.twitter.com/DciJrpFl01
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Not an MLB scout but that looks like a pretty good swing. Built like the Bash Brothers. pic.twitter.com/DzuTNqKVUa
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow hit the fourth BP pitch to where I circled the red-dot… uh huh… pic.twitter.com/9Om5gHnA5R
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
(cont on personal scouting report on Tebow) hips stiff, seems to have good hand speed, rotational to swing away, power is a *plus*
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
AL scout was impressed by Tim Tebow's raw power too, but didn't have as high-grade when asked, "Wrote him down 65 raw, probably 55 in-game."
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tebow’s offensive prowess apparently wasn’t quite as impressive when he faced live pitching, though. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner faced former major leaguers David Aardsma and Chad Smith, and he left a lot to be desired.
Tim Tebow faced former Major League, Chad Smith, for live pitching; 1-for-5, single, walk, three groundout, one shallow fly to LF
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow goes 2-for-6 vs. David Aardsma by my book, last hit would be double off wall in left-center
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow vs a former big-leaguer's off-speed stuff pic.twitter.com/kraSUr3YxT
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 30, 2016
According to USA TODAY Sports, Tebow — listed at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds by his agents —Â was clocked in a range of 6.65 to 6.82 seconds in the 60-yard dash. That reportedly ranges from “average” to “above average” on the major league scale.
Tim Tebow running 6.76 in 60-yard dash pic.twitter.com/urIzp4da8W
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tebow probably needs to improve his defense in the coming weeks and months.
NL scout says Tim Tebow is "fringe but servicable" outfielder, would be okay to put in left field, arm lacks true carry, 45-grade
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow taking reps in center field, not getting good reads, routes are a little sporadic pic.twitter.com/To34YCyG9d
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow throwing from right field pic.twitter.com/2AYsWIhyTW
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
Tim Tebow, right fielder. @MLB @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/P1swdho8cu
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 30, 2016
No one really knew what to expect going into Tuesday’s workout, which was attended by scouts from 28 major league organizations, according to CBS Sports. So all things considered, it’s actually rather impressive he was able to turn a few heads with his performance, even if his shortcomings were apparent to those who know baseball.
“I thought he was OK. Better than I expected, to be honest,” one anonymous major league scout told USA TODAY Sports. “For not having played as long as he had, I thought he did OK.
“That’s a big dude, for as fast as he can run. The power was impressive, but I wish he could have translated it maybe a little better (against live pitching).”
Tim Tebow story will be up on @BaseballAmerica tonight, consensus: he's better at baseball than we thought pic.twitter.com/JKsTgJfg1q
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
In fact, a few teams might even be interested in rolling the dice on the Tebow experiment.
representative says they're hoping that Tim Tebow will sign soon enough to get into instructional league, which is usually mid-October
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
If nothing else, the trademark positive attitude clearly translates across all sports for Tebow.
"When did it become a bad thing to pursue your dreams?" – Tim Tebow on people who criticize his decision to pursue baseball
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) August 30, 2016
