Report: Phillies forced David Montgomery out in hopes of acquiring new ownership
The Philadelphia Phillies could be an entirely looking ball club next season, both on the field and in the front office.
Following a third straight season having missed the postseason, Howard Eskin of FOX 29 is reporting that an incoming change in ownership is set to shake things up.
The Phillies announced in August that President and CEO David Montgomery took a leave of absence while undergoing treatment for cancer in his jawbone. However, Eskin is reporting that the team made the move to try and push the 68-year-old out.
"It was a convenient story because of the illness, but Dave Montgomery was there everyday during his illness while recovering," Eskin said.
The Phillies denied Eskin's report on Friday.
Contrary to the Fox 29 report last night, David Montgomery's leave of absence from the Phillies is entirely due to his medical condition, as previously announced. There is absolutely no other reason for his leave from active involvement in the Phillies management.
Eskin notes the reason for attempting to remove Montgomery is all part of a bigger plan to ensure that John Middleton becomes the majority owner of the team.
"Middleton is one of the limited partners of the Phillies but has been buying more of a percentage of the team from the other partners over the last few years," said Eskin. "I'm told he now owns 48 percent of the Phillies.
"The way the limited partnership was set up with the Phillies - no partner can own a majority without unanimous approval of the other partners. ...With Montgomery now out, it has become now easier for the vote that Middleton needs to become the majority owner."
Eskin went on to report that under Middleton, current senior adviser Pat Gillick would serve as acting president and the roster overhaul would begin.
"I'm told it's almost a certainty that Ryan Howard will not be back next season and the Phillies are now willing to pay almost all of the $61 million Howard is owed to make that trade," Eskin said.
"Don't be surprised if Chase Utley moves to first. I'm told Cody Asche could end up in left field and sources also tell me Pat Gillick and Ruben Amaro will also look at trading Cole Hamels to get much needed young players. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox want Hamels very much."