The Phillies on Thursday announced President & CEO David Montgomery is "taking a medical leave of absence," and Senior Advisor Pat Gillick will "assume Montgomery's responsibilities" during his absence, according to Ryan Lawrence of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Montgomery was "hospitalized 3 months ago after having cancer removed from his right jaw bone." He "returned to work within a month, however, and has been present at the ballpark as recently as Wednesday night." The club said that Montgomery will "return to work when he is fully recovered" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 8/29). In Philadelphia, Matt Gelb writes the Phillies' "leadership distress has exacerbated the turbulence" for a franchise that will have spent more than $500M in player salaries over a three-year period "without a postseason berth." The future of GM Ruben Amaro Jr., whose contract runs through '15, is a "constant source of public friction." A source said that Montgomery's decision "did not stem from an ownership shake-up or subterfuge." But Montgomery's "stepping aside could soon create permanent change." Respect for Montgomery is "universal in the game." He "served on a seven-man committee" appointed by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig earlier this year to "find his replacement." Despite his "frail state, Montgomery traveled to Washington with the team at the July 31 trade deadline." He also made "trips in conjunction with Selig's committee" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/29).
