CHICAGO -- Chris Getz doesn’t care if Colson Montgomery strikes out in his next 20 consecutive at-bats. That’s a bold statement from the White Sox general manager concerning the No. 36 prospect overall and the No. 4 prospect for the team, according to MLB Pipeline, considering Montgomery already has fanned 21 times against three walks in a 3-for-37 start for Triple-A Charlotte. But these comments weren’t merely a show of support from Getz for arguably the organization’s top position player prospect. It was a strong and unwavering message illustrating they have Montgomery’s back in even the toughest of times. “He's going through it right now. He really is. But I know that he's determined, he's not going to give up, that's not in his character,” said Getz during his Friday pregame media chat. “He's making adjustments, and sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. That’s a challenging part about this game. “I know he's going to figure it out. He just has to stay the course and make the right adjustment, because it's going to click. I believe in that. He believes in that, as well. And it's just a matter of time. So, we're supporting him. We still think the world of him. He’s part of our plans moving forward. We haven't lost sight of him, and we haven't lost faith.” |
Montgomery, 23, was scratched from Charlotte’s lineup on Thursday and was going to be out on Friday as a precautionary move to deal with groin soreness before the game was postponed due to rain. He was expected to return to action Saturday (in which the Knights will play two games to make up Friday's rainout) or Sunday. Those working with Montgomery echo Getz’s sentiment in that he’s not far off from getting right. Montgomery is working diligently with Charlotte hitting coach Jim Rickon and has benefitted this weekend from instruction with director of hitting Ryan Fuller, who made his rounds for the Knights’ festivities in Jacksonville. “To his credit, he didn’t pout and he didn’t make excuses. He shows up every day in the cage, getting ready to work. I’m super proud of him on that level,” Charlotte manager Sergio Santos said of Montgomery. “What I try to tell him is just get into competitive mode. “When you are up there, it’s you vs. the pitcher and nothing else. Worry about what you can control. His attitude, his defense, none of that has declined since he is not getting off to the start he wants offensively. That shows me some maturity in that he’s going about it the right way.” Santos stressed positive results are not the only indicator for Montgomery's success, as he's looking for consistency of approach. But he’s honest with the young player as well, especially looking at the 21 strikeouts in 37 at-bats entering Friday. “Exactly right. I’m open, honest and transparent in my conversations with him. I told him, ‘That we need to clean up,’” said Santos of Montgomery’s strikeouts. “And he’s aware of it. “I’m more focused on how guys respond to those kinds of setbacks and that kind of adversity. He’s responded in the best way possible. His attitude has been incredible. He is ready to get to work every single day. I told him with his talent, it is undeniable. If he continues to have that focus and that approach, he’s going to heat up.” |
Standing as the prime White Sox position player prospect adds a little extra pressure upon Montgomery, who missed 10 games during Spring Training due to a back issue. I picked Montgomery as my preseason 2025 American League Rookie of the Year, as an example, despite the shortstop struggling for much of his first campaign at the Triple-A level in 2024. Then again, Montgomery was a standout high school basketball player in the state of Indiana, which is more a way of life as opposed to an athletic competition. He’s also a confident young man, who the White Sox seem confident in being able to navigate this rough stretch. “I’ve heard it said a lot: Pressure is a privilege,” assistant general manager Josh Barfield said of Montgomery. “Learning how to handle it and deal with it and still go out and find a way to perform, it’s part of the maturation process. We know what he’s capable of and I think we are already starting to see some positive signs. “Results will come long term but a lot of times we are looking at the process and how he’s getting there. When he’s swinging at good pitches, when his move in the box is right, he’s a really talented player. Just watching the game, he’s getting closer and closer each game.” |
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• Third baseman Bryan Ramos played nine innings, both in the field and at the plate, during extended Spring Training action Friday in Arizona to test his balky right elbow affecting him since the start of Spring Training. He was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Charlotte after the contest.
• Kudos to the White Sox and Bobby Jenks for their “Grinder Ball Rule 45” initiative to show support for the electric World Series champion closer in his ongoing fight against cancer. The initiative includes a T-shirt sale that directs net proceeds to one of Jenks’ favorite local charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). • It’s always great to catch up with Garrett Crochet, a direct, honest and entertaining quote. He had about four or five statements in his pregame media session Friday worthy of becoming the lead in any story. If he stays healthy, he also should be one of the game’s best starting pitchers. His self-belief is as great as his immense talent.
• Speaking of Michigan (and don’t I always), the 36th anniversary of the Wolverines’ men’s national basketball title took place last week on April 3. I always refer to coach Steve Fisher, a fellow native of the South Suburbs of Chicago, as "The Fish Who Saved Ann Arbor," based on the classic 1979 movie "The Fish Who Saved Pittsburgh," starring Julius Erving. But all Hail Glen Rice, Terry Mills, Sean Higgins and Fish, to name a few. |
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“In the business, unless you are [Paul] Konerko or [Jason] Varitek, you don’t really wear one color your entire career. I’m just happy to be [part of the] Red Sox.” -- Crochet, on changing his Sox from White to Red. |
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