Brian Stokes

Brian Stokes is a right-handed relief pitcher. He was acquired by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in January 2010 from the New York Mets for outfielder Gary Matthews, Jr. In addition to pitching for the Mets, Stokes began his career, making his Major League debut on Sept. 3, 2006 with the Tampa Bay Rays (known then as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays). Standing at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Stokes is a Southern California native, attending Jurupa Valley High School and Riverside Community College before being drafted in 1998 by Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent.

Pitching for the New York Mets, Stokes had a 2-4 record out of the bullpen as he got into 69 games. He had an ERA of 3.97 while pitching 70.1 innings. He also struck out 45 while walking 38, and gave up 72 hits -- six of them home runs. Also, pitching in middle relief, he recorded 10 "holds." Right-handed batters had trouble facing him as they hit just .219 against him all season. Stokes retired 50 of 69 first batters faced while hitters batted .133 against him with the bases loaded.

Injuries slowed down Stokes as he appeared in just 24 games, starting one of them. He had a record of 1-0 and one save with a 3.51 ERA in 33.1 innings. Stokes was hit hard by the long ball, allowing five home runs in limited action. But while he blew two save opportunities, he had an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio, fanning 26 batters while walking just eight. His WHIP was also under control at 1.29.

Pitching in Tampa Bay, Stokes was 2-7 with a miserable 7.07 ERA. He found his way into 59 games, pitching 62.1 innings. Stokes was also a victim of giving up home runs and saw 11 balls leave the park. He struck out 35 while walking 25 and had a WHIP of 1.84. He also blew two save opportunities.