The Second Coming

So he may only have five hits and played a handful of games, but is he the second coming? Too soon to ask?

Playing for the New York Yankees is one thing. Playing shortstop, well that raises the stakes and the temperature even higher.

We have read this script before. Anthony Volpe was, but a few seconds ago, the heir apparent who apparently has now officially spit the bit. In his first season he made comparisons with you know who seem mandatory. Now he toils with his troubles in a minor key.

George Lombard Jr. His name has lingered in the background for some time as the next in line. Only 21, he has arrived to dazzle us with defensive skills rarely, maybe never, on display here before. With pop in his swing and an eye good enough to have an umpire’s called strike reversed on consecutive pitches in a critical at bat against one of the best pitchers in the sport. Welcome to tomorrow today.

This season has been hard to watch as a fan of this team. After an explosive start, injuries to our best and a handful of the rest, along with stunningly subpar performances by many of the every day players, has made this more often than not a head shaking experience. Only a truly exceptional starting rotation has kept this from becoming a nightmare in the Bronx comparable to the one transpiring in Queens. Thus, we are extra thirsty to drink in the possibility of Mr. Lombard and everything he suggests.

I know, I know. I am out of my mind to be contemplating who George the Great will thank in his Hall of Fame speech. That the reality is he has a far better chance of becoming a Volpe redux rather than the one to push the memory of Mr. Jeter to the recesses of our minds.

But a boy, even a 74 year old boy like me, has a right to dream, don’t I? And in this dream I see someone as skilled as Ozzie Smith roaming far to his left and right turning batters smiles into painful grimaces well into the 2040’s. I see 3000 hits and more coming with metronomic efficiency and ease off his bat. And I see, well I see a handful of rings for Mr. Lombard and regular trips down the Canyon of Heroes.

Welcome to the world of George Lombard Jr. as seen through my eyes. Prophetic or pathetic?

Derek who?