Lambo cracks Baseball America's top 40

Newbury Park High first baseman/pitcher Andrew Lambo is rated No. 35 in Baseball America's list of the top high school seniors in the nation.

The rankings were compiled by Baseball America associate editor Alan Matthews. Lambo was also named a preseason AllAmerican by the publication.

"He's definitely considered one of the best players in the high school class," Matthews said.

"I've seen him play on a couple of occasions and he's got a really good swing . . . a good swing path that makes consistent contact. You put all that stuff together, and the fact that he's lefthanded and 6-foot-3, and it's a pretty good package in terms of the physical tools."

Matthews said Lambo, who has committed to Arizona State, currently projects as a second- or third-round draft pick this year. He's expected to be a position player at the next level.

"He might be a supplemental round pick, in the No. 3163 range. But I would guess he's more in the No. 50-75 range."

During his first season with the Panthers after transferring from Grover Cleveland High in Reseda, Lambo finished second in the state with 13 home runs.

He posted a .477 batting average and had 30 RBI as Newbury Park ran away with the Marmonte League title.