Top Performer Spotlight: 2022 SS/RHP Michael Lombardi (Fox Lane)

April 25, 2020
Tim Hunter
VP of Operations

It was a historic preseason here in New York with our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff covering 700+ players at showcase events, all February long. The dust has settled and we are now ramping up our efforts in player rankings, scouting reports, and recap articles. While the outcome of the 2020 HS season is on hold, the Prep Baseball Report (NY) will continue to provide unrivaled coverage for the amateur baseball players in the Empire State.

As we continue our follow up of the Preseason Tour, we will be highlighting "Top Performer Spotlights" on players who recently stood-out at our preseason events. Stay tuned with us for the latest information on the 2020 spring season and beyond.

Scouting Report

Physical: 6-2, 185-pounds. Strong, long frame. 7.22 runner in the 60; 4.34 home-to-1B.
Offensively: RHH. Crouched stance with some bend in the knees, feet just wider than shoulder width apart, hands level with his chin, uses a bug leg kick for timing Direct barrel path, flat barrel path to the ball and finishes uphill on finish, good use of the lower half. Lots of hard contact to pull side. 88 MPH raw exit velocity.
Defensively: Controlled, consistent footwork, works well from the ground up, gets rid of the ball quickly. Medium arm swing with a 3/4 arm slot. INF - 86 MPH.
Pitching: Fundamental balanced delivery with a leg lift above the waist, sits into backside as he strides out in line to a repeatable release and follow through. Long, whippy arm action with a 3/4 release. FB: T84, 82-84 MPH. 4-seam has ride through the zone; 2-seam has arm side run. SL: 70-73 MPH. Late, sharp 2 plane break. CH: 72-75 MPH. Maintains hand speed with arm side fade.

Standout Skill

To me, I enjoyed watching Lombardi field the baseball. His footwork could use a little bit of speeding up along with lateral movements looking more fluid, but he has firm glove work, keeps the ball in front of him, and has the ability to play on the run smoothly. Strong arm across the diamond helps make up for the footwork.

Player Projection

Lombardi has the potential to be a dual threat player. Playing a couple innings then coming into the game when his team needs him on the bump. Has to tool set defensively and some solid pop from the offensive standpoint. I see him more as a 3B rather than a middle guy, his strong arm best fits the corner position. His mound presence and some velo (T84mph) will only get better as he gets stronger. Needs to work filling up the zone more with his FB, but that is a minor fix for someone who has time to develop his game.

Quick Hit
"Big physical frame, still potential to get even stronger. Simple swing, falls down into contact for more power. Quick hands to get the bat through the zone. Whippy arm action across the diamond. Chests the ball up and fields it a little off center of his body. A lot of high pitches in the zone, needs to focus on finishing ti work knees on the hitter. FB rides through the zone, but has more in take for sure. Can spin off-speed and keeps delivery the same."

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