Report: David Montgomery forced out, more changes on the way for Phillies

Phillies president David Montgomery began a leave of absence in August due to jaw cancer, but according to Fox 29's Howard Eskin there's a lot more to the story.

Eskin reported on Fox 29 Thursday that minority owner John Middleton in fact forced Montgomery out of his role as the day-to-day decision maker.

Eskin said that Montgomery's jaw cancer was a convenient story to push him to the side, but in reality, it was done to hand over his power to interim president Pat Gillick and general manager Ruben Amaro.

Middleton is reportedly gaining more power among the Phillies' ownership and now owns 48 percent of the franchise, according to Eskin. With Montgomery out of the way, Middleton improves his chances of becoming the majority owner of the team.

According to Eskin, Middleton is the most aggressive of the team's owners and will continue to be so once he assumes the majority of the power. Middleton's aggressiveness will bring about sweeping changes to the team, among them is parting ways with first baseman Ryan Howard.

Another possible departure is pitcher Cole Hamels, who Eskin said will be trade bait for the Phillies, as they hope to land some prospects in return.

[h/t to The Good Phight] [Video courtesy of Fox 29]

FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF-TV