Claire Says Umpire Apologizes for Comments About Dodger Rift

Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ vice president, said Sunday that umpire Bob Engel has apologized for making public in a Sports Illustrated article comments by Pedro Guerrero concerning his disenchantment with oft-injured Mike Marshall.

But Engel apparently did not deny that Guerrero and three other Dodger players complained about Marshall during a June 21 game in Houston.

“It is very inappropriate for an umpire to make any comment on personalities on a team or editorialize on ballclubs,” Claire said.

Engel, who could not be reached Sunday, had told the Long Beach Press-Telegram that Guerrero did not initiate the conversation but that three other Dodger players, without prompting, had complained earlier.

“I’m not going to get into specifics of my conversation with Bob,” Claire said. “It has been an unfortunate distraction on our ballclub and it was totally uncalled for. But I don’t think it should affect our performance.”

The fact that Guerrero was not the only Dodger complaining about Marshall’s numerous absences because of injuries confirms Marshall’s contention that there are several players on the team who are unhappy with him. It is believed that Marshall has asked to be traded in the wake of the discontentment.

Claire would not comment when asked about the apparent rift between Marshall and teammates.

“(Guerrero) can say whatever he chooses to say,” Claire said. “But he ought to use good judgment, just like Bob Engel should have used good judgment.”

Claire said he did not know whether he will call the National League office and file a complaint against Engel.