BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Schott Gets Blamed for This, Too

John Smiley suggests that umpires are getting back at Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott by giving her pitchers a smaller strike zone. Smiley said that’s what umpire Tom Hallion did when he was on the mound on Friday night, when the Reds lost to Atlanta, 8-2.

Smiley suggested it had something to do with Schott’s statements that she felt cheated when umpire John McSherry collapsed and died on opening day. ‘If you have a personal vendetta against Marge, take it up with her, not the team,” Smiley said.

Hallion, who was part of McSherry’s crew, said Smiley’s suggestion was absurd.