The Curious Case of John Jaha

With a promising film by David Fincher set for release on Christmas Day, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt, it got me thinking. Pitt's character, Benjamin Button, ages backwards throughout life. Meaning he starts out as an old man and slowly grows younger throughout his life. The F. Scott Fitzgerald classic mimics what happened to many Major Leaguers in the 90's and early 2000's. The most blatent example of what I will coin the Benjamin Button reverse aging disorder is John Jaha. Jaha dominated for the Oakland A's in 1999, but his numbers did not logically follow suit with his career numbers.

In 99 Jaha hit 35 homers, had 111 RBI's, a .414 OBP, and an OPS+ of 152. He was top ten in seven different offensive categories. Jaha's only good full season was in 1995 with Milwaukee. All other seasons were mostly plagued with injuries. In 2000 and 2001, he combined for a total of one home run and his -6 OPS+ in 2001 led to his retirement. So how does one go from MVP consideration to flat out one of the worst hitters in baseball in one year? I mean, even the decline of Andruw Jones was more subtle than this.


John Jaha (39) in 2005

To me, it seems obvious to think Jaha was a steroid abuser like most of that 1999 Oakland team, highlighted by admitted user Jason Giambi. Actually, that year Jaha made the All-Star team and Giambi did not. Giambi ended the year with 33 HR, 123 RBI, and an OPS+of 153; almost identical to Jaha's numbers. Who else was on that team? Well another proven juicer, Miguel Tejada. Also, Matt Stairs and Ben Grieve had power surges that season. Grieve is another guy who had his power numbers magically disappear like the fried chicken platter at Bob Wickman's family reunion.

So how does one magically hit his prime at age 33, then becomes washed up at age 34? Well there is one of two scenarios. Either Jaha juiced more than that girl from the Welch's grape juice commercials from the 90s, or he is a medical marvel. We are all quick to label certain guys steroid users to explain their dramatic decline. However, what if this is more common that we may think? If this was simply a case of natural dropoff, shouldn't teams be more weary of other such late bloomers? I mean lets say on some distant reality Jaha naturally hit his prime that late.

Why would a team right now give someone a huge contract who hit their stride late in their career? For example, why would the Cubs give Ryan Dempster a huge contract? Or why would St. Louis give Kyle Lohse millions more than he deserves? Can anyone say Carl Pavano? Lohse had an ERA+ of 113 last season, the best of his entire career. Four years, 41M, and a full no-trade clause? What! He has a career ERA+ of 97, less than league average.

Maybe certain players do bloom late, however, I would be willing to bet not many stay blooming. Just as Benjamin Button hit his prime later than others, his decline to child-like performance should be noted among GM's in baseball. When a GM finds a diamond in the ruff for one season they should feel thankful, but not committed. Thankful to find such a bargain, and also thankful someone else is about to waste payroll on signing this guy. Mark my words: Kyle Lohse will go down in history next to the names of Darren Dreifort, Carl Pavano, and Jaret Wright.

Three different organizations gave up on a Lohse before his 29th birthday. Yet the Cardinals gave the man 41 million dollars because he had an above average season. That is catastrophically stupid. Oh and get this, Lohse will make about three million less than Albert Pujols next year, the best player in the league. Ironic eh? Pujols should have played his cards right and bloomed during a contract year.


"Kyle could have obtained a more substantial contract on the open market, but decided to settle for a lesser contract and stay in St. Louis."
-Scott Boras, Professional Conman