Perrotto: Evan Meek eyes opportunity to close

By John Perrotto

ANAHEIM, Calif._ When Evan Meek was asked what he learned from his first All-Star Game experience, the Pirates right-handed middle reliever gave a most interesting answer.

"I don't know if I really learned anything as much as I had something reinforced to me," Meek aid Tuesday night after the National League beat the American League 3-1 at Angel Stadium. "Being here for these two days made me realize even more how much I love the game of baseball. To be around the best players in the game and to have a chance to meet them and talk to them was so exciting. It made me remember how fortunate I am to play in the big leagues.

"I think it's easy to kind of take for granted that you're in the big leagues after awhile. But an experience like this makes me want to work harder to go back to the regular season and work harder than ever to put myself in a position where I might be in more All-Star Games."

Meek did not get into the NL's first victory in the Midsummer Classic since 1996 or even warm up.

However, his inclusion on the roster is indicative of the fact that his outstanding first half of the season has been noticed, even if he is pitching for a team that is already 28 games under .500 at 30-58, putting it just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles (29-59) for the worst record in the major leagues.

"He deserved to be here," said NL manager Charlie Manuel of the Philadelphia Phillies. "You look at what he's done this year and he didn’t have to apologize for his spot on this team and I didn't have to apologize for picking him."