George Lombard Jr.'s latest feat is too Derek Jeter-like for Yankees to ignore

One of the biggest risers in the prospect world this year has been New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. The newly minted 20-year-old went from being an afterthought during last season's end-of-year update, to just cracking the top 100 in spring training, to now firmly entrenching himself as one of the best prospects in the game.

When it comes to his abilities on the diamond, it's easy to see why he's had such a meteoric rise. Scouts champion his well-rounded skillset, noting that he possesses superior strength and bat speed, his the ball well to all fields, and has the speed, instincts, and athleticism to be both a threat on the bases and a plus defender at shortstop.

Perhaps, most importantly, MLB.com noted the following about Lombard, which might remind you of a certain shortstop from the Yankees' past: "Not only does Lombard feature the potential for solid or better tools across the board, he has the high baseball IQ to make the most of them."

High baseball IQ? Athletic shortstop? Hits the ball to all fields? Remind you of anyone? If you're still drawing a blank, maybe a visual aid will help.

Do you see it now? Lombard, beyond just the jump throw, has some Jeterian qualities that should have Yankee fans salivating. From the baseball IQ and natural instincts, to the ability to hit the ball all over the field, it's easy to get carried away and start comparing him to the legendary shortstop.

Yankees fans would be wise not to go overboard comparing George Lombard Jr. to the legendary Derek Jeter

If there's a fatal flaw with the Yankees' player development, it's the team's tendency to put the hype machine into overdrive when it comes to their own prospects. Remember the Martian? The book is far from written on Jasson Dominguez, but it's easy to feel disappointed in how he's performed so far since he was billed as Mickey Mantle, Mike Trout, and an extraterrestrial all rolled up into one.

Or remember the time that Jesus Montero was supposed to be the second coming of Frank Thomas or Miguel Cabrera? Or, perhaps more relevant to Lombard, there's the stark difference between what Oswald Peraza was hyped to be and what he's actually become.

Point being, let's let these kids breathe a little before we anoint them to be the next legend. For Lombard Jr., some breathing room is needed.

He started off hot for Hi-A Hudson Valley this season, slashing .329/.495/.488 over 24 games and earning himself a promotion to Double-A Somerset. However, while playing in suburban New Jersey, Lombard Jr. has struggled to find his footing.

Over 39 games he's hit just .212/.337/.321, while seeing his strikeout rate balloon to 25.3% percent. Clearly, he's a bust! All sarcasm aside, he's nearly four years younger than the average Double-A hitter, which means the struggles are expected, and should even be welcomed.

Last season was a similar story. Lombard Jr. posted just a .693 OPS in A-ball for the Tampa Tarpons before being promoted to Hudson Valley and putting up an anemic .616 OPS in Hi-A. Once he got a chance to repeat the level this year, however, he showed exactly what kind of upside he has.

So while some dream about his impending arrival, it's important to let him marinate. He's just 20 years old, after all, and while it's easy to see shades of Derek Jeter in his game, let's wait a minute before we get there. He could be the next Jeter, for sure, or he could be the first George Lombard Jr., and what that looks like could be something even more, or something much less. No matter what, the best way to maximize his superstar potential is simply time and patience.