DETROIT -- The Tigers have a history of exercising due diligence when it comes to watching showcase workouts, from rehabbing Major Leaguers to Cuban stars to international standouts. With that in mind, they will send a scout to Los Angeles next week to watch football player Tim Tebow work out

DETROIT -- The Tigers have a history of exercising due diligence when it comes to watching showcase workouts, from rehabbing Major Leaguers to Cuban stars to international standouts. With that in mind, they will send a scout to Los Angeles next week to watch football player Tim Tebow work out on the diamond.

It's a long shot, but as with many other players over the years, the Tigers want to keep their eyes open.

Tebow, who turned 29 a week and a half ago, hasn't played baseball since high school, when he was an All-State selection in Florida, but there's intrigue as to whether the athleticism that helped earn him a Heisman Trophy and three-year NFL career can translate to baseball.

The Tigers have a history with football players, including former Michigan State All-American wide receiver Kirk Gibson and former Michigan All-American quarterback Rick Leach. Detroit also drafted current Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, son of former Major League pitcher Pat Mahomes, two years ago but didn't sign him.

Tebow, however, would be a vastly different prospect due to all the time off. Still, the Tigers will at least take a look.

Jason Beck has covered the Tigers for MLB.com since 2002. Read Beck's Blog, follow him on Twitter @beckjason and listen to his podcast.