What up, bro!

Florida pitcher questions umpire's conflict of interest

MIAMI (AP) -- Florida Marlins left-hander Mark Redman says there's a perception problem involving umpire Jim Wolf because his brother is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Randy Wolf.

The Marlins and Phillies are battling for the National League wild-card lead. Jim Wolf, a Triple-A umpire who fills in for vacationing major-league umps, worked the Marlins-Dodgers series this week, and Redman questioned three of his calls in Florida's 6-4 loss Thursday.

Redman stopped short of saying Wolf allowed his family connection to influence calls, but said, "I guarantee that crosses every player's mind."

"You hope he doesn't do that," Redman said. "It crosses people's minds, but he's a professional."

Wolf declined to comment, but crew chief Larry Young defended his colleague. Young noted the Haller brothers -- umpire Bill and catcher Tom -- were also in the NL together in the 1960s and 70s.

"[Wolf] doesn't perceive it to be a problem, and I do not, either," Young said. "He could care less about the pennant race."

TV replays showed Wolf blew a call Thursday when he ruled Jeromy Burnitz safe on an infield hit. Redman complained, and as he walked off the field at the end of the inning he shouted at Wolf.

"I told him, `You're better than that,"' Redman said. "I don't think he liked it too much."

 

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