Murphy: Tebow's baseball career 'isn't a joke, this is serious'

Much has been made of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow's transition to baseball, but one of the game's most dynamic hitters believes the 29-year-old has what it takes.

Washington Nationals second baseman and National League MVP candidate Daniel Murphy trains with Tebow every day to help him on his path to becoming a major-league regular, and he believes the former Heisman winner can accomplish his dream, crediting his offensive ability.

"This isn't like a joke, this isn't a publicity stunt. This is serious," Murphy said in an interview with Marty Smith of ESPN.com. "They're giving (Tebow) a job, and when they give you a job it's at-bats that someone else is not getting."

When asked why he thinks Tebow can be successful, his answer was simple:

"Power pays," Murphy said. "Power arms, power bats pays. You're never out of a ball game when you have power. That's why it's so unique so when somebody gets on base on a walk, a base hit and then somebody goes deep now that's three, Three pointer right there, so power allows you to stay in the game for a long time and it's so unique to find."