Schott Takes Aim At Eric The Red -- Cincinnati Owner Accuses Davis Of `Ruining It All' With Dispute

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott is upset with outfielder Eric Davis.

Schott said Davis' criticism that the Reds should have paid for his transfer between hospitals in Oakland and Cincinnati has taken her joy out of the team's World Series victory.

``It has ruined it all for me,'' she said. ``I just don't believe we have this after winning a World Series. I can't believe we'd ruin something as great as a World Series win with a silly . . . plane flight.''

Davis told reporters he is upset that the Reds did not pay the $15,000 bill to bring the injured left fielder back to Cincinnati from Oakland Friday. He suffered the kidney injury in Oakland while diving for a ball in Game 4 of the World Series as the Reds completed their sweep of the Oakland A's.

Davis, saying he will be stuck with the bill, complained that Schott showed ``no concern . . . or any consideration'' for his welfare.

Schott said one of the doctors at Merritt Peralta Medical Center in Oakland, whose name she could not remember, said he did not want Davis to leave the hospital and return to Cincinnati.

``He said the safest thing was for Eric to stay where he was,'' Schott said of the doctor. ``We were most worried about what was for Eric's own good. I just thank God nothing bad happened to him on the way home.''

Schott said she is irked and disappointed by Davis' reaction.

``I have stuck by this guy for five years,'' the Cincinnati businesswoman said. ``You would think this guy would have been rejoicing, but instead it's ruined everything.''

Davis took out a newspaper advertisement, published Sunday, to thank fans for the cards, letters and other signs of support he received while hospitalized for a kidney injury in Oakland. But he is still angry with the Reds.

He stayed behind at an Oakland hospital for treatment when the team flew home for a victory celebration in Cincinnati. Davis returned Friday night on a private jet. He was released today from a Cincinnati hospital.

Davis said Schott declined to return his telephone calls about his transportation back to Cincinnati. He had hoped Schott would help set up a private jet to bring him back. Doctors said he had to fly on his back with medical personnel nearby to monitor his condition.

Reds General Manager Bob Quinn visited Davis in his room at Christ Hospital on Saturday and said their differences had been ironed out. But Davis said Quinn never brought up the matter of the bill to charter the jet.

``I still have a bill to pay, and that wasn't even mentioned,'' said Davis, who is playing under a $3 million-a-year contract.

FREE AGENTS

-- NEW YORK - Pitcher Doug Bair of Pittsburgh and infielders Tom Brookens of Cleveland and Frank White of Kansas City filed for free agency yesterday, raising the total of players to 82 with six filing days remaining.

DEWEY WAIVED

-- BOSTON - Dwight Evans' 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox formally ended yesterday when the team placed him on unconditional release waivers.

By placing Evans on waivers, the Red Sox did a favor for the 39-year-old outfielder/designated hitter.

That's because Evans is a Type A free agent, according to the statistical rankings released last week.

If Evans had not been waived, he would have had to file for free agency with the Major League Players Association and a team would have had to give up an amateur draft choice in order to sign him.

But if Evans clears waivers by Thursday's deadline, he would be able to sign with any team without it having to give up the draft pick.