Marlins’ Redman Raises Umpire Issue

Left-hander Mark Redman of the Florida Marlins said there’s a perception problem involving umpire Jim Wolf, brother of left-hander Randy Wolf of the Philadelphia Phillies.

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 umpires, 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. 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 National League together in the 1960s and ‘70s.

TV replays showed Wolf blew a call Thursday when he ruled the Dodgers’ 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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