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PITTSBURGH \u2014 White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery has assimilated quickly into the team\u2019s clubhouse.<\/p>\n
Before games, he\u2019s often chatting with his fellow rookies (Chase Meidroth, Sean Burke and Kyle Teel) or conversing with the veterans. There\u2019s a sense of belonging that Montgomery possesses that is almost unfathomable considering that in May there were serious concerns on whether he would ever get a call up to the majors after slashing .149\/.223\/.255 over his first 23 games at Triple-A Charlotte, necessitating a trip to Arizona to work on his swing with director of hitting Ryan Fuller.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s done a really good job of slowing the game down,\u201d assistant general manager Josh Barfield said Saturday. \u201cSome guys, when they get to the big leagues, they just feel like they belong here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montgomery has a long way to go to prove he\u2019s an everyday big-league player, but Barfield\u2019s comments evoke the famous line from the rapper Jay-Z: \u201cCheck out my swag, yo, I walk like a ballplayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his pedigree and athletic ability at 6-4, he certainly has the disposition of a major-leaguer. Now, it\u2019s on him to prove it.<\/p>\n
In Friday\u2019s 10-1 win, Montgomery was tested regularly and he held up well. On one play, Montgomery ranged back to field the ball and threw a rocket to first base for the inning-ending out. That play showed Montgomery\u2019s arm strength and fielding acumen. On another play, Montgomery had a quick reaction to a sharply hit line drive toward him that he caught using his long limbs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe talk about defense being a constant,\u201d third-base coach Justin Jirschele told the Sun-Times. \u201cHe\u2019s playing with a high level of confidence right now. He\u2019s playing free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montgomery, the Sox\u2019 2021 first-round pick, was drafted in part because of the potential his frame portended. But Montgomery\u2019s plus athletic traits rarely showed up in the minors \u2014 his mobility was limited in 2023 as he dealt with a back injury that kept him out from spring training until June 19 of that season.<\/p>\n
Over his first 12 games, Montgomery has flashed with his reliable defense at shortstop and third base. Manager Will Venable said that Montgomery\u2019s athleticism is popping, unlike in Spring training, at shortstop and third base.<\/p>\n
Since getting the call up, Montgomery has been intentional about his preparation. He\u2019s developed his routine of going into the weight room before games to lift and stretch. After hitting the weight room, Montgomery then goes to the field to work with Jirschele on infield drills.<\/p>\n
Montgomery needs the reps because he only played at third base just four games in the minors. Before Saturday\u2019s game, he had logged 24 innings at third and 69 at shortstop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know sometimes playing third, you can think that you got to be more blocky and block the ball,\u201d Montgomery told the Sun-Times. \u201cBut [Jirschele] just keeps telling me, \u2018Do what I do at shortstop over at third base and stay athletic.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Jirschele runs Montgomery through fungo drills, which emphasizes good footwork. Throughout the drill, Montgomery doesn\u2019t know where the ball is going to be hit and Jirschele alters the speed and angles to give Montgomery different looks and velocity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t just go out there and go through the motions,\u201d Montgomery said. \u201cI have to get my body right and into a competitive mindset, especially because of how crucial defense is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Defensive versatility is an emphasis for the Sox: It gives Venable more options, is more stable from year to year, and, when played well, can have a positive effect on the pitching staff.<\/p>\n
So far, Montgomery has exemplified the traits and demeanor the club is looking for from a player they envision as part of their core.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe confidence that he plays with, he seems to always be in the right spot at the right time,\u201d Jirschele said. \u201cHe can get downhill and really make some plays that stand out with the long legs and the range. The intangibles there that he brings to the table really stand out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n