Let’s get one thing straight. I’m old enough to remember not only Derek Jeter, but also guys like Wayne Tolleson, Bobby Meacham, and Randy Velarde. I’ve seen a lot of Yankee shortstops is what I’m saying, so I’ve got enough perspective to know that Anthony Volpe and George Lombard, Jr., have one thing in common — neither one is the next Derek Jeter. But…
Let me tell you why I believe Lombard, Jr., will be playing shortstop in the Bronx for the next ten to fifteen years while Volpe will likely have a decent career bouncing around in places like Anaheim, Miami, or Colorado. Volpe looked like Charlie with the Golden Ticket, always waiting to wake up from the dream. And while I actually liked that about him, I like Lombard’s demeanor better. He already knows he belongs, but the moment I knew wasn’t his home run during his major league debut or any of the sparkling plays he’s made in the field (more on that later). No, his “welcome to the Yankees” moment came in just his fourth game while facing Chris Sale. On consecutive pitches the future Hall of Famer appeared to have struck out the young rookie, but each time Lombard casually tapped his helmet, and each time the strike was flipped to a ball.
That walk triggered more than just a rally, it triggered some dreaming in Yankee land. Lombard’s eyes have never been wide, and he’s never blinked. He already looks like he’s been in the Bronx for a few years, not a few days, and while his hitting has been impressive, it’s his defense that does it for me. His range, glove, and arm are already elite; if he can hit just .240 (and he’ll hit much better than that) he’ll hold on the job without any question. I can’t wait to see what happens.
Yankees being preempted by Little League. How appropriate
I would much rather see Spencer Jones in center than Grisham. It seems like three or four times a week he plays a sure out into an extra base hit.
Lakers sold for $12 billion. Will Hal be tempted by such dollars? And sell the team to someone who wants to win?
Here's the danger. Sports franchise values are escalating so high and so predictably that soon they will be investments on a corporate ledger, not the passion project of a wealthy fan. We won't see another Mark Cuban, for example. A team like the Yankees will be seen as a reliable investment for a corporation like Apple or something like that. If you think Hal doesn't care about winning, wait until there's a corporate board making financial decisions.
Giving that run right back
Corporatizing is a danger, but winning creates value.