BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Standing in an air-conditioned luxury suite at Commerce Bank Ballpark, Jim Frey looked relaxed about an hour and a half before the Atlantic League’s All-Star game would commence at the Somerset Patriots stadium. Frey, who compiled a 323-287 career record as a big league manager, acted as the honorary manager for Sparky Lyle’s Freedom Division. Don Zimmer served in the same capacity for Dave LaPoint’s Liberty Division. The tranquil environment stood in stark contrast to Frey’s other involvement with All-Star games. As the Royals manager in 1980, Frey led Kansas City to the World Series following a sweep of the Yankees in the ALCS. Kansas City lost the World Series but provided Frey the opportunity to skipper the AL squad in the 1981 All-Star contest at Cleveland Stadium.

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Nine consecutive victories to cut the Philadelphia Phillies’ lead to one-half game was the type of run that the Mets needed to erase some of the underachieving they did throughout most of the season. They were able to make up some ground on the top spot in the division and the wild card race by beating teams that they were expected to beat. Since the end of June, the Mets split four games at St. Louis, and then dropped the first of four in Philadelphia. They haven’t lost since. A big ‘swing’ game came on the 7th, the final game of the road trip, when the Mets nearly blew a nine-run lead and had to hang on by the skin of closer Billy Wagner’s teeth, 10-9. Had they let that game get away from them, their ensuing home stand would have had an entirely different feel to it.

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BROOKLYN, NY – Despite possessing a nine game winning streak, the New York Mets still are hoping to improve in the outfield. With Moises Alou probably out for the season and Ryan Church still uncertain, some help is needed - the sooner the better. So it’s welcome news to see Angel Pagan rehabbing his left shoulder in Brooklyn tonight in the Cyclones’ 7-6 win over the State College Spikes. “[The shoulder’s] alright,” said Pagan who went 1-4 and stole a base, which increased his Brooklyn career best franchise total to 33. “I can tell you better when I face a lefty. I am just playing and I have a goal to come back.”

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