Should the Phillies Sign Tim Tebow?
By Mike Lacy
Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow (5) warms up on the sidelines in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday afternoon, there was a small Twittergasm due to rumors that former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow had been spotted at Philadelphia International Airport. The speculation was that he was in town to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As entertaining as those rumors were, they ultimately proved to be quite false. They did get me thinking though. Maybe a Philadelphia sports team SHOULD sign Tebow. But the team that should sign him isn’t the Eagles, it’s the Phillies.
Now I know what you’re thinking: That’s a crazy idea! Why would the Phillies possibly sign Tim Tebow? How could a questionably talented unemployed NFL quarterback possibly help the Phillies?
There are a few reasons why it would make a lot of sense. First, Tebow was not just a football star in high school. He excelled in three sports, including baseball. Reportedly, the Los Angeles Angels even had interest in drafting him. Therefore, he must possess a decent amount of baseball skill.
Besides, does it really matter how much talent he has? Part of the reason I admire Tebow is because he clearly isn’t talented enough to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, yet that hasn’t prevented him from succeeding. If he can lead the Broncos to a playoff win with only a marginal ability to throw the football, who’s to say he can’t find similar success on the baseball diamond?
Tebow would also fill an area of need for the Phillies. One of the biggest items on the team’s offseason wish list is a right-handed outfielder with power and speed. Tebow’s biggest strengths on a football field were his foot speed and the power he displayed when encountering potential tacklers. While Tebow’s arm might be lacking for a major league right fielder, I figure that if they can survive Ben Revere’s arm in the outfield, surely they’ll be able to make due with Tebow as well.
Tebow would also provide a huge impact off the field. There are reports that the Phillies are close to signing a new television contract. It’s been well publicized that Tebow equals TV ratings, so if the Phillies are trying to gain some last-minute leverage in their negotiations, wouldn’t it make sense to sign a guy who has been proven to be a ratings draw?
And think about the positive impact Tebow would have in the locker room. With so many veterans in the clubhouse, manager Ryne Sandberg might have some trouble getting everyone to buy in. But if he had Tebow on his side? The rest of the team would be sure to fall in line. Tebow’s inspirational leadership and hustle would undoubtedly inspire his teammates. After chatting with Tebow, there’s no way Jimmy Rollins wouldn’t run out every ground ball.
Even Jimmy Rollins can’t help but be inspired by Tim Tebow. Image Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
In the end, I think this move just makes too much sense. Ruben Amaro has been widely criticized for some of his free agent signings, but this one signing could easily erase all of the bad moves he’s made in the past. If Amaro truly has plans of contention in 2014, then I think signing Tebow is his best – if not only – option.