March 13, 200620 yr With the way Stokes is swinging, and with the way Jacobs hit in his action last year, it's a shame they are both 1B and moving things around is defnitely the way to go. As we saw with Cabrera, sometimes it's best just to get a guy in the lineup. Not that Stokes has the kind of potential Cabrera has, but he has real potential to be a force at the major league level.
March 13, 200620 yr Stokes strengths, weakness, scouting reportsaccording to BA. 2. Jason Stokes, 1b Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS?Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie. Background: After signing late for a $2.027 million bonus in 2000, Stokes worked hard to make a transition to left field in 2001 but was waylaid by back and hamstring problems. He exploded last year, leading the low Class A Midwest League in batting and homers, and the entire minor leagues in slugging, despite a painful cyst on his left wrist. Strengths: He could lean on his massive power, but Stokes wants to be a complete player. He hits to all fields and shows a good understanding of the strike zone and pitchers? tactics. He runs out pop flies like a super-sized David Eckstein. He has worked hard on his defense, and while he will never be nimble, won?t hurt a club at first base. Weaknesses: After fighting through injuries the last two years, Stokes? durability is in question. His arm is average at best and his speed is below-average, though not bad for his size. The Future: Stokes had wrist surgery, which included a bone graft, but should be ready for spring training. He?ll probably start 2003 in high Class A. Adrian Gonzalez? superior defense makes it likely Stokes will play left field when both are big league regulars, perhaps in 2005. Background: Considered the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, Stokes dropped to the second round because of signability concerns and nearly attended the University of Texas before signing for $2.027 million. He challenged for the low Class A Midwest League triple crown in 2002 despite a painful cyst on his left wrist. He underwent wrist surgery, including a bone graft, near the end of 2002, but the complicated procedure kept him from letting go at the plate until two months into the 2003 season. Strengths: Light-tower power remains Stokes' greatest tool. He already has cranked some mammoth shots in his brief pro career. He has shown good plate judgment in the past, though he regressed in that area this year. He has decent hands at first base. Weaknesses: Wrist surgery, combined with the huge parks of the high Class A Florida State League, may have caused Stokes to alter his approach and chase more pitches. He doesn't run well, though he's not bad for his size. He remains an average defender at best, though he has picked up a half-step around the bag through strict conditioning. The Future: Stokes had passed Adrian Gonzalez in the Marlins' plans before they sent Gonzalez to Texas in the Ugueth Urbina trade. Stokes should begin 2004 in Carolina, where the ball travels better and his natural power should be rewarded more often. He could be ready to challenge for a big league job sometime in 2005 Background: Stokes would have gone early in the first round as the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, but his commitment to the University of Texas dropped him to the first pick in the second round. After signing for $2.027 million, he eventually surpassed 2000's No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Gonzalez, in Florida's plans. That led to Gonzalez' inclusion in a 2003 trade for Ugueth Urbina. Strengths: Stokes' greatest tool remains his powerful bat. He shows prodigious power to all fields. He runs well for a big man and has decent hands. Weaknesses: His high strikeout totals have inspired some doubts, and Stokes never shortens his long swing, not even with two strikes. He has poor lateral movement, which means he'll never be more than average at best as a first baseman. His left wrist required a bone graft in 2002 and flared up again last season. He may require another operation. The Future: With incumbent first baseman Jeff Conine's contract up after 2005, Stokes is positioned to succeed him. However, he'll have to show he can stay healthy for a full season. He could return to Double-A to start 2005.
March 13, 200620 yr SS Ramirez LF Willingham RF Hermida 3B Cabrera 1B Jacobs CF Abercrombie 2B Uggla CA Treanor Bench: Andino, Olivo, Aguila and two of the following three (Stokes, Helms, Kinkade) SP: Willis, Moehler, Vargas, Johnson, Olson RP: Borowski, Mitre, Lightenburg, Herges, Nolasco, Resop This team does not have a lefty in the pen.
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