H/W: 6-5 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 7/1/89
Montgomery bumped up his velocity to the 92-93 MPH range before the '08 draft prompting the Royals to select him with their supplemental 1st round pick. Montgomery was outstanding in his pro debut in the Arizona Rookie League going 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 34 K's in 42.2 IP. Montgomery features two good pitches, his plus fastball and a palm ball that profiles to be an average pitch at the major league level. He also throws a slurve and a change, though he doesn't have much feel for those yet. Montgomery has a big projectable frame that should develop more strength and velocity to his fastball as he matures. He also locates his fastball and palm ball well and has good poise on the mound. One other area of concern is Montgomery's low strike out rate. With his size and velocity, one would expect him to be a more dominant pitcher at the rookie level. The development of a suitable third pitch will be crucial for Montgomery's future as a starting pitcher.
2009 Projection: Montgomery will likely get a shot to pitch at full season Burlington in '09. Keep an eye on his strikeout totals as wells as reports on his third pitch development. Instinctively, Montgomery seems to be a potential mid to back of the rotation starter, though, it is very possible that he goes the other way as a situational bullpen lefty. His development over the next two years will tell us more.
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