SCHOTT DOWN: SELIG PRAISES EFFORTS OF REDS' ALLEN

          MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said the decision on the
     future of Reds Owner Marge Schott "lies entirely with him"
     and "indicated" that she would not gain control of the club
     when her suspension expires, according to Jeff Horrigan of
     the CINCINNATI POST.  On Sunday, Selig issued "unequivocal
     praise and support" for Reds Managing Exec John Allen: "John
     Allen has done a wonderful job.  I've said it privately, and
     I want to say it publicly now.  He's been terrific, and I've
     talked to John and told him that."  Horrigan added that "a
     high-ranking" MLB official said that Reds employees who are
     preparing to leave the team should Schott return "have
     nothing to worry about" because "it will all be taken care
     of."  Selig did not reveal specifically when he would "pass
     down judgement" on the issue, but "seemed to indicate" that
     a decision could come after the World Series is over.  The
     deadline is November 1 (CINCINNATI POST, 9/21).