From the Collection: Jason Hart, 1b, Oakland Athletics
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Back in 2000, Oakland Athletics top prospect Jason Hart appeared to be the heir apparent to Jason Giambi. Hart wrecked AA pitchers in 2000, hitting 30 HR with a .401 OBP. Assuming he could put up similar numbers in 2001 at AAA–which would be Giambi’s last season in Oakland before free agency–the timeline was perfect for him to replace Giambi’s bat in the big league line-up. They looked like they were cut from the same mold: a power-hitting first baseman with great on-base skills. They even looked similar. It was perfect.
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But AAA is hard. While Hart opened the 2001 season ranked as one of the top prospects in baseball, he struggled. Oakland didn’t think he was the guy to replace Giambi, so the A’s included him in a package of prospects for another first baseman prospect, Carlos Pena. I remember when this trade went down, and it bummed me out. I had seen Hart play in person a couple of times and was hoping to see him make the majors with Oakland.
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While he never panned out, I have always been a fan of Hart, and I am glad he was able to continue his career as a successful coach with the Rangers and Marlins.