By George!

With the infielders alongside Ben Rice struggling in the early going, Yankee fans have to be excited by the early results George Lombard Junior has posted in AA ball.  Through the first week and a half at Somerset, the 2023 first round pick has crushed opposing pitchers -- not only hitting .464, but more than half hits hits going for extra bases (five doubles and two homers).  Watching him last Thursday against Binghamton (when he went 3-for-6), he was clearly the best player on the field, fielding crisply and showing good baserunning skills.

The Miami native, who won't turn 21 until June, will need to finish out his matriculation -- likely moving up to the Yanks top farm club in Scranton Wilkes-Barre sometime this spring where he'll face tougher pitching, including many with major league experience.

My pictures show a confident and talented kid, who seems on target to reach the Bronx sooner than later.  And the timing is right: 2nd baseman Jazz Chisholm is in his walk year, shortstop Anthony Volpe, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, has yet to establish himself as a big league hitter and infielder Jose Caballero, while speedy and versatile, doesn't appear to offer enough offense as an everyday player.

Below: a look at him wearing the interlocking NY during a spring training game last month against the Phillies. 

The Yankees have have several famous George’s over the years: Steinbrenner and Ruth are the two that quickly come to mind.  George Selkirk twice drove in eight runs in a game.  George “Doc” Murdoch had a good run on the mound.  Now, Lombard has a chance to become another.