SEPT. 6: Braves general manager John Coppolella confirmed to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman that his team is indeed interested in Tebow.“There’s no risk,” said the GM. “If it doesn’t work, we’ll be honest with Tim early, and we can move on. If it does work, it’s great for the Braves and it’s great for baseball.”
Coppolella said that his interest is based on feedback from two of the team’s top scouts, Brian Bridges and Roy Clark, who attended Tebow’s workout. “They want to see Tim more in the spirit of ’Leave no stone unturned,’ and they liked what they saw,”  said Coppolella. “They thought he has the upside potential to help us. That is why we’re exploring the possibility of bringing him into the Braves organization.”
SEPT. 3: The Braves have “definite interest” in quarterback-turned-outfielder Tim Tebow and are considering signing him to a minor league deal, ESPN’s Pedro Gomez reports. The Braves spoke to Tebow on a one-on-one basis after his workout Tuesday, along with four other teams.
[Related: Pro Football Rumors]
The former Denver Bronco, New York Jet and Florida Gator stole headlines last month with the news that he was trying his hand at baseball and had quietly been working out with former MLB catcher Chad Moeller. Representatives from every big league team except the Cubs and Athletics saw Tebow’s workout in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 29-year-old’s baseball skills received mixed reviews — he won praise for his raw power, but one scout told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that Tebow looked like “an actor trying to portray a baseball player.”
Whether or not the Braves sign Tebow, he would appear to be a project. He has, obviously, dedicated most of the past decade to playing football, and however impressive his power might be, there would likely be a significant learning period before he could hit for power against high-level pitching.
Yes. Perfect team for him.
This sounds weird
That should help the “worst attendance of all AAA teams.”
I wouldn’t expect him to start with AAA. He will probably start next season at Rome at the absolute highest.
No way if they sign him it’s not for his talent, he will be in winter league then double or triple a otherwise why spend the money on a 29 year old!?
Why spend the money? He will probably sell more merchandise in one day than his whole cost of his contract
Totally and it’s a business right? I don’t see what damage it does to any organization to sign him and just see what happens. If he figures it out, great, if he doesn’t you sold a bunch of tickets and merch. The only question is, “how much?”.
Totally agree with you. What damage does it to your club to have a team leader and positive influence in your minors, especially when he’ll see you tickets and merchandise.
Parachuting into a job based on your celebrity is a positive influence?
I agree Southi, just saying it falls in line with the story Talking Chop had yesterday.
Oh yeah, I get that. I do believe that the AAA roster for the Braves in the most part totally stinks. Besides Rio Ruiz, it is mainly a bunch of older guys trying to hang on, or a bunch of pitchers who have been promoted to AAA too early. But in all honesty AAA baseball as a whole isn’t as fun to watch (to me at least) as AA baseball. Always seems a far greater percentage of real prospects on the AA teams than AAA ones.
Wow its not usually the Braves way to take a chance on a media circus freak like Tebow. Guess it wouldn’t hurt to give him a chance but I don’t see it going anywhere. all it will do is make the Baves front office look like they’re in desparation mode like they don’t quite understand baseball yet so they’ll try anything just to figure it out. Experimenting!!! Again, not the Braves way but then again neither is being a losing team.
Desperation mode is a minor league contract? At worst he sells tickets far surpassing his contract commitment. This is a little risk for a team with not enough power and positional depth and deep in SEC country that would be more than curious in his outcome.
Agreed Run, not any different than an international signing that has zero American baseball exposure.
I agree with both of you. I hope they sign him. I would buy a jersey
Most international signings at least have baseball experience, though.
Can then trade him to the diamondbacks for goldschmidt, greinke,pollock even up
This is funny
Oh, plus one
Hahaha. You’re hilarious!! That’s pure gold!
I guess I’m the only one that doesn’t find this funny.
Well than my good good you have ZERO sense of humor. Or your a D-Backs fan and that I feel sorry for. Talk about a front office that has no clue. As a Braves fan I’ll enjoy reaping the rewards of the D-Backs bad decisions.
The Braves seem to have won a trade. That’s all. They are still the worst team in the league. Enjoy that fantasy reap though. I am the farthest thing from an Arizona fan, but they have won the World Series more recently than Atlanta so perhaps you should hold off on the trash talk.
As a dodger fan all I can say to that is…..ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaahahhahahahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!! I can even say it in Spanish! Jajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajaj
The diamondbacks will probably eat there salaries to.
How many baseball players point to the sky after every hit?
True Jfactor.
misogyny is so unattractive, boring and ignorant. keep your effed up psychological baggage to yourself, and let’s talk about baseball.
Thank you…look I’m not the most religious guy in the world but why hate on him because he is? Hell I’d take a chance on him in a heartbeat if for nothing else attendance and merchandise sales for my minors (can’t see him starting above high a though). Just not sure why everyone busts his balls because he’s religious…there are a lot of religious players in every sport. Sorry but I hope he makes it, but then I hope they all do
Who cares if it’s attractive, as long as it’s funny. The more someone starts eliminating the types of jokes they can laugh at, the less they’ll enjoy life. Also, I feel you should adopt the whole “I feel” way of talking to people, didn’t they teach you how to express your feelings correctly in health class? I feel like you come off as very hostile. See how it works? We’re learning!
or say, devil damn
This is hilarious. It’s actually working out for Tebow
nothing’s working out for him. he’s simply a way to make money right now. i think everyone knew some team would sign him for a profit regardless of how good he is
He was already making money from sports as an analyst. Probably more than he will as a minor leaguer
You realize it is probably hurting him financially instead of helping him if he signs a minor league contract. The truth probably is closer to the fact that he questions in his mind whether he made the right decision years ago to focus on football instead of baseball. Now at least he may get his chance to see how he may perform. In my mind you can’t fault him for that.
Of course. The Braves play at Disney and Tebow is an ESPN asset. Synergy at its finest
In no way could these to be connected in any way. Sober up.
Thank you! What an idiotic assumption
Braves’s pay rent there and I believe that won’t last much longer as they’ve been trying to get another facility built outside Tampa. The Disney connection is by coincidence only.
Exactly.. His showcase video looked like an actor trying to portray a baseball player. It’s nice to see he enjoys baseball but he just doesn’t have the tools to be successful at this level.
considering he was actually drafted by the Cubs, he probably has a more realistic chance of actually becoming a baseball player than Tim freaking Tebow
As much as I want to agree, the Angels nearly drafted Tebow out of high school but he told them he would under no circumstances ever play baseball.
No idea why anyone would bring up Kaepernick in this thread. Honestly baffled. Totally different players and people.
Doubt the baseball world would accept this disrespectful turd…and if you think arod got treated bad after his return from roids, then he would be fun
Charlie Sheen was regularly working out on the field and hitting home runs too, even while being sick, Tom Selleck hit them out too, this is so idiotic. Tebow smacking a BP homer means nothing.
But it wasn’t a BP homer. He was facing live pitching from 2 different former major league pitchers. Not defending him because I think there is no chance he ever plays in the majors. However he does seem like a standup guy and anyone that hates him for being open about is faith has serious problems.
Perfect comment
ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!! Great post
He hit his hr against a scrub who hardly picthed in the majors, then David Aardsma ..who was ..meh…but better than the other guy, struck him out twice.
I think the point is, it wasnt jon lester, arrieta,or even a 5th in the rotation starter who is currently playing or even recently played for that matter pitching to him.
Actually I don’t believe he hit any home runs in the live pitching portion. He showed the power potential in BP.
Agree
Sign him trade him to DBacks for Goldy
This is a low risk signing for the Braves. Tebow possesses one intangible that nobody can deny- work ethic. He has always been a hard worker, that in itself is valuable to the low minors teams. To show the kids how to work and take new instruction. I don’t care if Tebow makes it above AA, I want him to go and get a chance to teach by example, to work and work and work some more. To help push the kids with more talent but less mental makeup. That is Tebow’s real value here. Besides it’s not like he’s going to be making major league money, but low minors. Which doesn’t take away anything from the big squad.
I would sign Tebow and trade for Puig and assign Tebow to him. I believe Tebow even knows Spanish. Have a camera crew document their relationship and you have the next HBO reality series. (Puig doesn’t need a handler half as much as I would enjoy seeing Tebow being one).
That’s…actually a great idea.
It totally is! As an HBO doc though as suggested not a stupid reality show.
“God and Yasiel”
He is also a great leader. His Florida teams and the Broncos all loved him. A guy like that could inspired a lot of minor league teammates. I don’t think he ever even sniffs the majors, but I wish him luck.
Amen Frank!!!! Glad to see that there are more people in this country who just pull for a guy to succeed at following his dreams no matter the circumstance. Especially if they are obviously putting in a lot of hard work to do so. Great post man. Shows great character out of you!! You sir are a good man!
Please don’t.
Why are you even on this sight, your not a baseball fan, your just here to try to cause problems, go find a Christian hate group if you want to trash religions.
I’m sorry his expression of his faith is impeding your freedom to not believe.
It’s all about the money
I hope he proves a lot of people wrong!! The chances of him making it to the Bigs are very remote–why not chase a dream. That’s what this Country is about!! For that I root him on-
Hell yes. Go for it young man. Wish I still could
sounds like you’ve never been to Colorado, or you’re just severely out of shape. I went to Denver 5 times last year and never had a problem with breathing, and Denver’s only some 4800 feet higher than my home town (pretty significant). I even went to Red Rocks and ran up and down the amphitheater a few times, some 1120 feet higher than Denver… and I had no trouble breathing, and I’m really out of shape, and 75 pounds overweight… Perhaps I’m just really good at breathing?? Do yourself a favor and get your hands on an incentive spirometer.
Why do people hate the fact Tim Tebow has no problem showing faith in God so badly? I am not an extremely religious person myself, but honestly get tired of people calling him weird for loving God. You folks seriously need to evaluate where your lives are and what direction they are headed. As far as signing Tim Tebow to a minor league contract, it instantly turns to gold because he will fill the stands while the Braves figure out if he has anything to contribute on the field. There are only positive factors that can come from putting him on the field at the minor league level. Some “fans” really need to check their baseball IQ if they think this would be a move made by the Braves in desperation of finding a bat…
I believe that pretty much any public displays of affection or devotion make a lot of people uncomfortable – it’s a relatively typical reaction in the United States, and part of our culture. “get a room!”. Also – more and more people are answering national surveys in the last 10 years identifying as “spiritual, but not religious”. Not saying there aren’t some very religious people in this country, but most of the conversions that occur here are toward secularity. it is why most of the recent missionary efforts are pointed at other countries (particularly in East Asia, South Asia, Polynesia and the Southern cone).
The Bible explicitly condemns making a big public show out of how faithful you are.
A lot find his fanbase irritating too. He is a mediocre athlete who receives absurd amounts of media attention because of popularity in a hypocritical subculture of ostentatious ‘competitive’ faith.
Matt 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I’m a UGA fan and couldn’t stand my team playing against Tebow, but you’ve got to love his competitiveness. Sorry, but you lost me at mediocre athlete. Sure, he’s not a NFL QB, I get it. But you don’t win a Heisman being a “mediocre athlete”. You just sound silly. If you were blessed with half of his physical talents you’d be chasing your dream before you couldn’t too, or you’d be crazy. This has nothing to do about religious subcultures and everything to do with a guy with some skills pursuing an opportunity to display that. Braves would be silly not to get him at a minor league deal to explore it and release him if/when they see it’s not working out.
Good post
I couldn’t Agree more. And to the other post that says people in this country feel weird when any public affection is shown. It’s true but it’s a sad fact. No offense but this country can rally around the LGBT community and everyone is all defensive about it but the moment someone talks about religion publicly he is bashed as a freak. This country as a whole needs to evaluate its character and understand their motive for not liking things instead of just dismissing things without reason. As much I don’t like someone disrespecting the American Flag. I completely understand where Kaepernick is coming from. I’m a white male and I see people of color being oppressed on a daily basis and it’s sad. I personally almost got arrested a year ago for telling a cop in public not to talk to this black homeless guy like he was. He was just sitting outside of a grocery store being cussed by a police officer. Anyhow, this country has some SERIOUS issues to tackle under our next president and I dk that I’m confident with either candidate being able to help promote change. Tebow is a great personality and he would be an exceptional example to the young minor leaguers the Braves have. Tebow knows how to win. And if he could instill that winning attitude to the young Braves and that’s all he ends up doing than that’s a win/win in my book. Period!
Even though he was an odd thrower, Tim had the special quality of bringing out the best in his teammates. To John Fox’ dismay Tim brought the Broncos into the playoffs. I truly feel his praise of God turned the league off. He should have said he was a criminal that seems to work better. In NY the Jets never gave him a shot even though the season was dead. I pray that whatever he does he succeeds
He wasn’t given a shot in NY because he is/was a garbage quarterback. When he “brought” Denver to the playoffs, he threw for under 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s awful. The only thing he did was be less bad than Kyle Orton in a bad division. It wasn’t his praise of God that turned the league off, it was the fact that he can’t throw a football like a real quarterback.
Braves do play Spring Training at Disney World which coincidentally owns ESPN…..
Well I mean, I guess as long as you’ve got low expectations going into the contract. Other than the excessive media attention there’s not a lot to lose; just probably not much to gain in terms of baseball talent.
If he’s signed he’ll good rookie league or extended spring training. Train all fall . And maybe start at rookie ball or low A ball next year.
I haven’t seen mention of the Braves’ move to Cobb Co mentioned. They are going from an urban team to a suburban team. To me it looks like an appeal to that demographic.
Jeez
Marketing move to try and eventually fill seats for a while. Nothing more, nothing less.
Watched whatever footage there was at his workout. His swing is absolutely terrible and he can’t play the outfield and, oddly, for a guy whose previous career consisted entirely of throwing, he can’t really throw. I’m sure he’ll get into some rookie or A-Ball games, but a 29 year old who hasn’t played baseball in 12 years isn’t making the majors. I’m sure it will be fun for him though, and I guess that matters to Tebow.
Please no no no no…….
I can’t wait to see what promo events since minor league team cooks up with him.
Bobble heads will sell out of the yin yang…hope so for that team
There was an article in the Arizona Republic today that the diamondbacks do indeed have interest in bringing in Tebow to rebuild the franchise’s single A ball club. The major league club is set so the front office decided to focus on this area of the franchise immediately.
The deal fell through because dave stewart was trying to get approval from Ken kendrick but he was at a baseball card show in Las Vegas and didn’t hear his cell phone ring. With this crucial time lost the braves were able swoop in and sign tebow.
TLR woke up from his nap around 4 and held a press conference to insure fans that there was still hope bringing in the former heisman trophy winning slugger. Trade rumors have surfaced that include Shelby miller being sent back to Atlanta along with promising journey man reliver matt capps.Touki toussaint would be sent back to the diamondbacks along with tebow. The 10.5 million of Bronson arroyos contract sent in the original toussaint trade would also be returning to arizona.
The deal has not been finalized yet because the diamondbacks front office will not budge on its demand for Aaron hill to be included in the deal and return to the desert. This might be difficult because hill now plays for Boston so a 3rd team must be brought into the mix. TLR could not be reached for further comment he was at Ra on his 3rd sake bomber.
What a lonely Saturday night for you.
Lmfao
if diamondbacks don’t get him they could always trade the farm to the Braves for him
I feel honored that you had time in your important life to respond rundmc. Thanks bud.
By your estimation I assume you live in Denver Colorado with your “I……Can’t……Breath” Insanity. Sounds as though the lack of oxygen has gotten to you more so than most. I used to live in Denver for roughly a year and I never once felt like I had trouble breathing. For you to question somebody’s religion only shows the lack of intelligence you posses. I’m positive Tebow has a MUCH better life than you do praising the lord that he believes in. How many players point to the sky after a big hit??? MANY. Why?? Becuase they obviously feel blessed to be in the position in which they are in and they are only showing respect to the man above who has HELPED put them in that situation. Tebow would be a fantastic example to the younger guys of how to handle themselves and approach being a professional. Whether you believe in God or not is irrelevant in this situation. Just because you don’t believe doesn’t mean you have to disrespect those who do. It’s each and every persons RIGHT. Get over it and just be happy for ANYBODY on this planet who is trying to fulfill a dream and is willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to do so. Why do so many people also want to try and bring others down with disrespect. If we all truly pulled for our fellow Countrymen to succeed instead of hoping they fail so you have a better chance to succeed than this country would be in such a better place. Enough with the envy
Same organization that went hard after a 30 yr old “light tower power” 3rd baseman “prospect” that couldn’t play the field, throw the ball, or hit. So it adds up. If they do sign Tebow though, chances are slim that he gets suspended for beating up a prostitute like Olivera did. So there’s that.
Well at least he has that going for him.
Don’t underestimate T-Bow … He can be a good clubhouse leader and spiritual healer for some of the youngsters and the 30-years old adolescents …
The hire him as a life coach/mentor. Don’t hide him in a uniform like he is a real player.
It’ll be worth it to sign him just to read the trainwreck of comments from people on both extreme sides of it. He’ll be providing entertainment value long before he ever even dons a minor league uniform.
anti american LOL oh and nice islamaphobia too.
Do it Braves, then he can replace Matt Kemp in Left Field next year !
That’s right. His one homer in BP will replace Kemp’s 30 per year.
Way to go capitalize on another sport you are not good at!!
The reason I say any baseball team should go for it is simple to generate interest in the sport. As much as a DUH, as that sounds, with baseball it makes sense. Tim Tebow is talked about quite a lot. Baseball needs interest. It’s a dying sport in terms of competing with the NFL and NBA in terms of popularity. For baseball’s sake, I hope he gets a contract from someone.
The Brave’s top scouts liked him, LOL. That is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. But hey, they would like him because they can’t seem to pickup too many good players. The farm system is full of backend arms if they don’t get hurt (again) and overmatched hitters. These scouts couldn’t identify Mike Trout from a bunch of middle schoolers.
Well then the Atlanta Braves scouting department is as stupid as 23 other teams. Trout was taken 25th, you act like Atlanta drafted first and he went 2nd.
The reference was obviously lost on you. I was meaning Mike Trout today against middle schoolers. Not draft day Mike Trout. Look at the Braves farm system it’s a joke. All the undeserved hype they got for a bunch of fringe prospects.
Well if I am the only one that missed that reference, my apologies.
I’m gonna throw up. Tim Tebow doesn’t belong in the MLB or even MiLB for that matter. He belongs in the NFL. His own selfishness is keeping him from that.
He could be a great Fullback or at least an above-average TE. His own selfishness of him only wanting to be a QB is what is holding him back from the NL. The Braves should NOT give him a spot on any of their minor league teams. Give that spot to someone who ACTUALLY deserves it.
**NFL
Can we all agree that the ONLY reason to make this move as the Braves front office is a money/publicity grab?
I think everybody here is realistic enough to know that TIm Tebow is never going to be an MLB player.
So glad Braves didn’t sign Tebow. While I like Tebow, I don’t enjoy the publicity that would surround him. The attention should be on our top prospects, not some QB bust who wants to play Baseball as a fallback