Tim Tebow (Sporting News)

It was only a matter of time until the Mets let the chains loose and allowed their pet project to come out of hiding. Tim Tebow will play the first Grapefruit League game of his career today in a split-squad game against the Red Sox. The former Heisman Trophy winner will be the Mets’ DH. His time has cometh!

Yes, I can’t believe I’m saying this either. Today’s game will be televised at First Data Field, while the rest of the roster will play the Astros.

The 29-year old Tebow  hit .194 in 70 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League. He really hasn’t had the opportunity to play competitive baseball since he last played in high school, around 10+ years ago. Tebow will be given the opportunity to show if he really has improved in his short amount of time with the Mets. If that’s not the case then the media will have a field day, and deservingly so.

When the Mets signed Tebow to a minor league deal, everyone assumed it was a publicity stunt. I believe that theory. This will be the ultimate test for him, to see if all of this was actually a waste of roster space or not.

Spring Training is a time to experiment, to see what the future holds for every team. Its also a time for some fun. That seems to be the only way one can understand what is happening. Tim Tebow has stated that he is doing this to test himself, and to give kids everywhere hope. Even if you don’t believe him, the fact he is doing this is entertaining. If Tim Tebow is actually serious about this interest, he must give it his all today. All eyes will be on him. Although his appearance today has apparently not raised fan attendance, its sure to create a buzz in Mets camp not seen before. Even if you disagree with the reasoning, its something.

One thing is for sure: he has no shot in making the Opening Day roster. Not even Michael Jordan made it to a big league roster. What Michael did do however was create a moment worth talking about. Comparing Tebow and Jordan would not be fair, especially because fans would cause a riot. However, the both of them did go into unfamiliar territory. We shall see where this new opportunity takes the latest dream chaser.

As the saying goes, baseball is unpredictable. Today is a memorable day, lets just enjoy the ride.