ATLANTA -- Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is defending the teams deal with Tim Tebow, saying the decision is about baseball and not any opportunity to sell merchandise.The 29-year-old Tebow agreed Thursday to a minor league contract that includes a $100,000 signing bonus. He is attempting to launch a baseball career four years after the end of his time as an NFL quarterback.Alderson said Friday it wouldnt be practical to make such a big commitment to Tebow only as an attempt to market Tebows name.I have to tell you that the notion that were going to spend $100,000 on a bonus for a player so we can sell a couple hundred dollars worth of T-shirts in Kingsport, those economics dont work, Alderson said before New Yorks game at Atlanta. This was not about making money.The opportunity to sell T-shirts and the like is almost non-existent. This was about baseball. This was about giving somebody an opportunity to play.The Mets have a rookie league team in Kingsport, Tennessee.Alderson said signing Tebow was my idea.Why not? he asked. From our standpoint, this is an interesting experiment.Tebow will report Sept. 18 to the Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He will test his skills against younger players for three weeks before the Mets determine his next destination.---AP freelance writer Amy Jinkner-Lloyd contributed to this report.China Jerseys Cheap .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final. Cheap Jerseys From China . LUCIE, Fla. https://www.chinajerseyscheap.us/ .In my heart and mind Im competing for India, luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. Every day Im flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. China Jerseys Stitched . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. China Jerseys Wholesale . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August.CLEVELAND -- Indians ace Corey Kluber will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.Manager Terry Francona said Sunday that he will go with Kluber, an 18-ame winner during the regular season, in the opener on Tuesday night. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA in his first postseason.Francona has right-handers Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin penciled in for Games 2 and 3, respectively. The order could change depending on how Bauers injured right pinkie heals over the next few days.Bauers start in the AL Chaampionship Series lasted less than one inning after his pinkie began bleeding against Toronto.dddddddddddd He injured his finger when he sliced it open while repairing a drone.Also, injured starter Danny Salazar could be available against the Cubs. Salazar hasnt pitched since Sept. 9 because of forearm tightness but hes made major progress in the past week and could be on the World Series roster. ' ' '