Clearwater, Fla. — Ask anyone in the Yankees organization about almost every promising young outlook, and inevitably they lead the conversation towards George Lombard Jr.
The 19-year-old has stood out throughout the spring, and this time he got another opportunity Tuesday against the Phillies and right-handed Zack Wheeler.
Lombard answered with a 106 mph single, but all started again with a short stop.
And it wasn't just scouts and executives who noticed the first round picks in 2023 (26th overall). It is also potential for future teammates.
That includes Aaron Judge, who saw him not only in the Grapefruitreeg match, but also in the backfield in Tampa.
“The tools are all there,” the judge said Tuesday in Steinbrenner Field. “I saw him take the ground ball on field two and he had the jazz infield. [Chisholm Jr.], [Anthony] Volpe and Ben Rice. [Lombard] 3 base was smooth and athletic. I know he is shortstop, but seeing him in different places makes me excited for the future. ”
And like everyone else who came across Lombard, whose father George played part of six seasons in the majors, the judge was impressed with his son's presence.
“He's a great kid,” the judge said. “He's hardworking, he does his thing. He doesn't say much. He shows up and does what he needs to do. And the power he's already showing, he'll be something special.”
Lombard is not expected to hit the majors until 2027, but he is already ranked as the organization's second prospect by the MLB pipeline.
Maybe he caused it among fans, and within the organization, Lombard said, “I've heard a bit, but now since the beginning of spring, I haven't focused on it. There's a lot of time left. My goal is to stay focused on my work and learn new things every day.”
He now plays 2 base, third and short in the Homer pair in eight games this spring, 15-5 after splitting last season between Singles A Tampa and High A Hudson Valley.
Aaron Boone called Lombard's experience at camp “really valuable.”
“He got those extra reps and I'm pleased that he has the opportunity to play in such a situation right now,” the manager said. “He really likes this game and has that competitive focus. You see him lock-in on the box. The makeup is real. He has a special energy about him. The quiet strength that exists every day.”
Charles Wentzelberg/New York Post
The youngest player staying in major league camp, and in most of the games he plays now, Lombard was asked if he was totally overwhelmed.
“The normal nerves are sometimes just like everyone feels on a baseball field,” Lombard said. “You go out there and play baseball. All I've done for the rest of my life is becoming a baseball player. You enjoy the moment, incorporate everything into it, then you lock in, play baseball and win the game.”
