How George Lombard Jr.'s MLB promotion has affected Yankees' farm system

Since shortstop George Lombard Jr.'s promotion to Major League Baseball, he has ignited a spark with the New York Yankees. Lombard's strong defense and timely hitting have helped the Yankees remain within striking distance of the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. But it'll take a strong final few months of the regular season to catch up to the Rays. Lombard is the Yankees' No. 1 prospect, but MLB.com recently ranked New York's farm system 27th out of 30 in baseball. "Lombard has provided a spark in New York since getting called up two weeks ago, but continual trading to bolster the big league club has thinned out the system, especially in terms of hitting talent," MLB.com's Sam Dykstra, Jim Callis, and Jonathan Mayo wrote Sunday. MORE: Phillies receive slightly worrying 65% playoff odds proje