Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow wants to play baseball. But can he?

Front offices have been gathering scouting reports from Tebow's high school playing days in Florida, and some of the buzzwords are promising: great arm and speed, natural power, athletic outfielder who takes good routes to the ball, etc. There are also a few intangibles: competitive, high-character, good baseball IQ and instincts.

But there's one tool that hasn't been praised -- hitting. It's the tool we have the most questions about. And it's arguably the most important. If Tebow can't hit consistently, he won't go anywhere in pro baseball.

We're not talking about high school pitching here. How well can he hit high velocity? How about the nasty breaking/off-speed stuff at the pro level? How well does he track the ball? Those are big questions, and honestly, the odds are against him, especially given that he will turn 29 this weekend.

But one of the great things about baseball is you just don't know until a talented player is given an opportunity. I spoke to one scout who has seen Tebow work out, and he described him as a bigger, more athletic version of young Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber. That's not to imply the hit tool is present, but it's an impressive physical account of Tebow. Given that, along with his intensity and tools, I think Tebow is certainly worth an opportunity.

The comparisons to NBA legend Michael Jordan's foray into pro baseball are obvious. After all, Jordan was another player with special physical tools, but his hit tool was in question. And Jordan just couldn't figure it out, batting .202 with a meager .266 slugging percentage for Double-A Birmingham.

Another player who comes to mind is Rick Ankiel, who moved to the outfield after flaming out as a major league pitcher. He demonstrated the other four tools, but it was hit tool that prevented him from becoming more. I'm also reminded of Deion Sanders, who I acquired while I was with the Reds, though he had played both sports his whole life.

So is this just a marketing ploy? From Tebow's perspective, I don't think it is. From everything I've heard about Tebow, he wouldn't attempt this unless he felt he could succeed. From a team's perspective, while I think they still have the best-case scenario in mind -- that Tebow succeeds at pro baseball -- there's certainly marketing value to signing him. There's plenty of excitement surrounding him, and no matter where he plays in the minor leagues, he's going to draw fans, just as Jordan did. This is especially true if the Florida native (and University of Florida star) ends up in the Florida State League.

So would I sign him if I were a GM? Yes, I would give him a chance, on two conditions: 1) It was a low-risk deal focused on the opportunity, not the money; and 2) He wouldn't be standing in the way of a legit prospect in the farm system. Every organization has "non-prospect" outfielders, players filling out their minor league rosters, and I'd give Tebow a chance over one of those guys. I'd start him out in rookie ball (not Class A) and see what he looked like. If he picks things up, he advances.

You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket, and Tebow is like a ticket with four correct numbers. You might as well try for that fifth, as long as the stakes are low and no players are affected. The odds are very much against him, but anything is possible given his tools and drive.