Stokes has maybe a 5% chance of ever being what people thought he might have been, but if it magically works out we could have a pretty awesome power hitter.  Billy just acquired a longshot upside for a guy (Baker) that was never going to be useful for us.  

I recall him being rated by BaseballAmerica as the top Power hitting prospect in all of the year 2000 Draft, even as a high schooler.  He also ranked as Florida's 1st or 2nd top prospect in his first few years.

But, he is injury prone.

He seems to be a Kevin Millar-type, which is not bad for a backup catch like John Baker, who was going to lose playing time to Kurt Suzuki and Jeremy Brown anyways.

This trade frees Baker up to get more PT with the Marlins, who I think claimed him off of waivers a few years back.

I see nothing wrong with this trade.

....in 2000, he ranked 8th on the Marlins Top 10 prospect list.....

8. Jason Stokes, of/1b

Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 233. Drafted: HS–Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie.

Background: Stokes set a Texas high school record with 23 homers last spring and was considered the top high school power hitter in the draft. He dropped only because of signability concerns and was ready to attend Texas until the Marlins forked over $2.027 million in late August. He signed too late to make his pro debut.

Strengths: Stokes has raw, brute strength and generates upper-deck clout with a relatively compact swing. He put on a batting-practice show on the eve of his signing. He showed no scare during instructional league, where a pulled hamstring slowed him down but he whetted the organization’s appetite. Stokes has poise and confidence, especially at the plate, where his strike-zone recognition is advanced.

Weaknesses: His defense at first base was below-average, and with Gonzalez at first, Stokes has moved to left field. His feet are quick enough and he’s a good enough athlete to at least make that transition stick for a few years, but he’ll never be a plus outfielder.

The Future: A late bloomer in high school, Stokes has a first-rate makeup and work ethic. The Marlins fully expect him to develop into one of their premier position players, starting in the Gulf Coast League.

2000 Club (Class) AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Did Not Play–Signed 2001 Contract

.....in 2003, he ranked 2nd on the Marlins Top 10 Prospect list......

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.

....again, he was ranked as the Marlins 2nd rated prospect......

2. Jason Stokes, 1b

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS—Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie.

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.