Oh Stokes. Lose 5-2

Usually when the bullpen lows the game this year, Brian Stokes is not involved and/or did not come into the game. But in fact, Stokes did the blowing, though Jerry did not help. After giving up a double to Milton Bradley, a Derek Lee flyout moved Bradley to third. Jerry then moved the infield in. This decision backfired as Ramirez singled just past Wilson Valdez at short. If Valdez had been playing back, maybe Bradley doesn't score; even if he does, there are two outs. Baker then walked, and then bad pitch calling by Santos/dugout meant Stokes hung a curveball for Soriano to jack out of the park. Elmer Dessens came in to finish the inning, but the damage was done, and the good work that Pat Misch had done was all gone. Misch didn't strike out a lot (2 and one was Tedy Lilly), but he was effective in keeping Cubs of the bases, and runs of the socreboard. He only gave up 6 hits, and he walked 2. He got 9 ground outs, and 9 flyouts, and deserves another start (other options: Lance Broadway ugghh and Dessens ughh). Also, he could probably be effective at Citi Field if he gets 9 flyouts; the big outfield should make it easier for flyballs to be caught. The Cubs got on the board first, in the first, but the Mets tied it up in the second, when Francoeur doubled, Tatis singled him to third, and the Santos hit a pop up that Bradley dropped at his shoetops. It was called a hit, and Francoeur scored. The Mets could've scored more but Sullivan lined out to Baker, Valdez grounded out and Misch struck out. The Mets got the lead in the 8th, when Pagan doubled, and Castillo bunted him to third. I had a problem with this, but I'll discuss later. Murphy walked, Francoeur struck out, but Tatis doubled off the ivy, as Pagan scored. Murphy was thrown out at the plate, which was dumb, so the inning was over. The Mets went quietly in the 9th, despite Santos' walk.
Stupid Decision of the Day: Jerry having Castillo bunt Pagan over. Not only does it give the Bus an out they don't deserve, but it also lowers the Run Expectation for the inning:
Before: Runner at second, none out:1.14103
After: Runner at Third, one out: 0.96654
It also lowers the Win Expectancy from 54.17% t0 50%. And not only that, Castillo is your best hitter. He is the best player at getting on base (.404 OBP). So you shouldn't be bunting with him. Murphy walked, s0 if Castillo had gotten on base (via a walk, infield single or run scoring single) the bases could be loaded. Pagan would've socred on Tatis' double anyway. So, unless it's the pitcher, or the bottom of the 9th, no bunting Jerry.
Random Thought of the Day: I really hope this rumor that the Wilpons have to sell is true. If it is, I propose the fans own the team, and every year there is an election for President, who represents the club.
Clutch Play of the Game: Tatis double. +.179 WPA.
Up Next for the Mets: mets at Cubs, 4:10 PM ET (FOX)
Bobby Parnell (3-6 5.08 ERA 4.17 FIP 4.21 tRA) tries to make it 3 quality starts in a row. He'll face
Ryan Dempster (7-7 4.07 ERA 4.23 FIP 4.99 tRA)
Bryce Harper Sweepstakes™: We're now the #9 pick!!!! Only 5 back (ahead) of Baltimore for #3. We can do it guys! Bryce Harper here we come!!!