SOME REDS PARTNERS WANT TO KEEP CINCINNATI AN ALLEN-TOWN

          The seven Reds partners will meet March 8 to discuss
     Marge Schott's "letter of intent" to sell her controlling
     interest in the team to a Cleveland group led by Larry
     Dolan, according to Tim Sullivan of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. 
     The partners have the right to match any offers Schott
     receives, but she reportedly "has been told by advisers the
     limited partners won't match."  At least one limited
     partner, who asked to remain anonymous, is "furious" that
     Schott has "ignored local buyers and snubbed Cincinnati by
     entertaining an offer" from Cleveland.  But the "key issue
     appears to be the fate" of Reds Managing CEO John Allen, who
     is "popular" with the partners, but not with Schott, and the
     limited partner "worries that she is looking to oust" Allen. 
     The Dolan group employs former Indians Assistant GM Dan
     O'Dowd, who could replace Allen. The partner said he would
     "fight" for Allen, as he has "busted his butt to get this
     franchise up and running" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 2/25).