Braves GM: 'There’s no risk' in signing ex-NFL quarterback Tim Tebow

The Braves GM likened Tebow's interest in playing baseball to Michael Jordan's.

Braves general manager John Coppolella said he sees no risk, financial or otherwise, in the team signing former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow to a minor league contract.

Last week, Tebow showed off his skills for MLB scouts, and while he showed some flashes of talent, including hitting a long home run, he struggled against live pitching.

"There's no risk," Coppolella said. "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."

It was reported that the Braves were one of the teams that was possibly interested in signing Tebow.

"Whatever Tim decides, the fact that he wants to play baseball is good for the game," Coppolella said. "It's similar to when Michael Jordan or others have wanted to play. It's positive to draw this kind of interest to the game and make it a story because it's good for baseball."

If the team where to sign Tebow, it would likely be for less than $100,000, with the goal of getting him valuable reps in the instructional league.

Getting an invite to Braves' Major League Spring Training next year would be a longshot, with the team possibly sending him to Double-A Mississippi.

Coppolella said the interest in Tebow is because of the team's belief in the scouting system.

"They went to see Tim more in the spirit of 'Leave no stone unturned,' and they liked what they saw," Coppolella said. "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."

- Scooby Axson