The Phillies are showing "few indications of an imminent ownership upheaval, contrary to a local TV report," but the possibility of "change in the future, given the ambiguity atop the organization, still exists," according to Matt Gelb of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Phillies President David Montgomery "was not 'pushed out' by ownership, as suggested" by a WTFX-Fox report Thursday. Sources "strongly refuted that notion, and the team issued a statement Friday denouncing the report." But sources confirmed that limited partner John Middleton holds a 48% "ownership stake in the Phillies." It is "unclear how long Middleton has held such a share." Sources "do not expect Middleton to make a push for majority control." The idea that Phillies ownership "forced Montgomery from control is incongruous with decades of management decisions." Sources agreed that Montgomery "would still be president had his cancer not prevented him from performing those duties." A source said that Middleton, 59, "recently addressed some team officials with the message that Montgomery's situation would not be reevaluated until at least January." The Phillies "could then seek a permanent replacement" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/5).
