Jason Stokes

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Jason Stokes (Born: January 23, 1982 in Irving, Texas) is a first baseman for the Florida Marlins. As a senior for Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas, he hit 25 home runs, which still stands as the state single-season home run record. He was first discovered by Bob Laurie, a scout for the Marlins. Laurie took notice to his power hitting and helped Stokes take his first step into the Major Leagues.

Stokes was drafted in the second round of the 2000 MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins. His best season in the minor leagues was in 2002 with the Kane County Cougars, where he hit .341 with 27 home runs and 75 RBIs, earning Stokes the Sporting News minor league player of they year award. Stokes participated in the 2002 Futures Game during All-Star Weekend, playing for the United States team. Earned "Best Power Prospect" honors in the Southern League according to Baseball America's Minor League Best Tools Survey. He was ranked as the Marlins number four prospect and "Best Power Prospect" entering the 2005 season according to Baseball America.

Injuries have plagued Stokes' career. His seasons with the Albuquerque Isotopes in 2005 and 2006 were both very short due to hand and groin injuries. He began Spring training in 2007 with the Florida Marlins. In a game against the Boston Red Sox on March 6, 2007, Stokes claimed that he was struck out by Daisuke Matsuzaka with the controversial gyroball pitch. Matsuzaka vehemently denies that he throws the gyroball. Just before the start of the 2007 season, the Marlins traded Stokes to the Oakland Athletics organization, where he will begin the season with the AAA Sacramento River Cats.