In Philadelphia, Matt Gelb reports Phillies President & CEO Dave Montgomery has given GM Ruben Amaro Jr. a "vote of confidence" despite the team's 31-38 record heading into today's game against the Braves. Amaro has "drawn criticism for delaying a rebuilding process as the Phillies struggle for the third consecutive season with an older roster.” He also has “often alluded to his tenuous job status” despite being under contract through ‘15. Meanwhile, Montgomery said that he “won't assume a larger role in baseball matters this July,” estimating that 80% of his time is “spent on the franchise's business operations" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/18).
IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY: In Minneapolis, Nick Halter reported Twins President Dave St. Peter and independent St. Paul Saints GM Derek Sharrer yesterday “expressed interest" in a minor league partnership, but "cautioned that it would be difficult to arrange.” Sharrer said, "It is a lot of moving parts." St. Peter “discussed the possibility" of the Saints becoming the Twins' Single-A affiliate but noted the team has a deal with the Midwest League Cedar Rapids Kernels through ‘16. He believed that the Twins will “discuss the idea with the Saints when the Kernels contract is up” (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/17).
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1993: ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick noted the Blue Jays, who have not made the postseason in 20 years, have “sent a jolt of optimism through the populace when they went on a 25-7 run through early June.” Blue Jays 1B Adam Lind said, “There's definitely a buzz up there right now. You see a lot of people in jerseys and T-shirts and hats walking around town. They want to believe, but they're still trying to figure out if they should. Especially after last year, when everybody was emotionally invested and we had the ultimate meltdown" (ESPN.com, 6/17).
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: The Royals took over first place in the AL Central last night, the latest point in the season the team has topped the standings since '03. MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa said of Royals GM Dayton Moore, "He’s stayed the path with (manager) Ned Yost. They’ve had this vision, they’ve trusted in these young players. It’s time for these young players to step up” (“MLB Tonight,” MLB Network, 6/17).
