In this talk we present theoretical evidence Chat the exclusive/inclusive r
atio of semileptonic Lambda (b)-decays exceeds that of semileptonic B-decay
s, where the experimental exclusive/inclusive ratio amounts to about 66%. W
e start from the observation that the spectator quark model provides a lowe
r bound on the leading order Isgur-Wise function of the Lambda (b) -> Lambd
a (c) transition in terms of the corresponding B -> D, D-* mesonic Isgur-Wi
se function. Using experimental data for the B -> D, D-* masonic Isgur-Wise
functions this bound is established. Applying a QCD sum rule estimate of t
he Lambda (b) -> Lambda (c) transition form factor which satisfy the specta
tor quark model bound we predict the exclusive/inclusive ratio of semilepto
nic Lambda (b) decay rates to lie in a range between 0.81 and 0.89. We also
provide an upper bound on the baryonic Isgur-Wise function which is determ
ined from the requirement that the exclusive rate should not exceed the inc
lusive rate. Our pre-Osaka results are discussed in the light of new recent
preliminary experimental results on the pertinent mesonic and baryonic for
m factors presented at the Osaka ICHEP 2000 Conference.