George Lombard

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #17 prospect in 2001
  Lombard is at a crossroads in his baseball career. Since bypassing a potential Heisman Trophy career as a running back at the University of Georgia in 1994, the athletically gifted Lombard has made a slow yet steady climb through the Atlanta farm system. Now out of options, he's the leading contender to earn a job as the Braves' fourth outfielder after putting together a late charge last season in Triple-A and earning a spot on Atlanta's playoff roster. Lombard has world-class speed and an unmatched work ethic. His defense in left field has improved immensely, though his arm remains below average. He also has developed into an outstanding, high-percentage basestealer. Lombard has become more patient at the plate and has shown an increase in power throughout his career. Some scouts wonder, however, if he'll hit well enough to remain in the big leagues, especially because offspeed pitches continue to give him significant difficulty. Some observers believe Lombard will follow in the footsteps of Chris Weinke and play college football if he fails to make Atlanta's 25-man roster this spring. The Braves are confident Lombard won't be faced with that decision.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #2 prospect in 2000
  Background: After solid back-to-back seasons, Lombard struggled with injuries at Triple-A Richmond this year. A groin injury limited him to four games between May 29-Aug. 10, and he never gained consistency at the plate. The Braves believe his strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .308-11-35, is a harbinger of a return to form. Strengths: Experience has brought Lombard's power and speed to the forefront. One of the fastest players in the organization, he has become a high-percentage basestealer and solid line-drive hitter. As evidence of his growing power, he led the AFL in homers and RBIs. Weaknesses: While good health is the key, Lombard needs to make more contact at the plate. He also needs to hit the ball to the opposite field more consistently and reduce his strikeout totals by waiting for his pitch. The Future: Atlanta hopes Lombard will be ready for left field next season. In all likelihood, he will return to Triple-A and could be knocking on the door during the second half.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #2 prospect in 1999
  Background: A former high school football star, Lombard has made incredible strides over the past two years. He overcame an injured shoulder in the second half to rank in the Southern League top 10 in batting average, on-base percentage (.410), home runs and stolen bases. Strengths: No one in the organization other than Andruw Jones has a better combination of power and speed than Lombard. A student of the game, he refined his baserunning and perfected stealing bases last year, succeeding on his first 31 attempts. He also hits through the ball and can drive it to all fields. Weaknesses: Lombard's defense, especially his footwork and reads on fly balls, needs polish. He also needs to make better adjustments at the plate to reduce his high strikeout totals. The Future: The Braves feel no need to rush Lombard. He will start the season in Triple-A Richmond, but might wind up in left field with Atlanta during the second half. He should be a starter by 2000.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #46 prospect in 2000
• Ranked Baseball America's #26 prospect in 1999
• Ranked Baseball America's #93 prospect in 1998
• Ranked Baseball America's #94 prospect in 1997

• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: A former high school football star, Lombard has made incredible strides over the past two years. He overcame an injured shoulder in the second half to rank in the Southern League top 10 in batting average, on-base percentage (.410), home runs and stolen bases. Strengths: No one in the organization other than Andruw Jones has a better combination of power and speed than Lombard. A student of the game, he refined his baserunning and perfected stealing bases last year, succeeding on his first 31 attempts. He also hits through the ball and can drive it to all fields. Weaknesses: Lombard's defense, especially his footwork and reads on fly balls, needs polish. He also needs to make better adjustments at the plate to reduce his high strikeout totals. The Future: The Braves feel no need to rush Lombard. He will start the season in Triple-A Richmond, but might wind up in left field with Atlanta during the second half. He should be a starter by 2000.