This card–2004 Bowman Heritage–I pulled myself back in 2005. I have tried to get it signed a couple of times and finally lucked out this past spring.
Eric Chavez was the 10th overall pick of the 1996 MLB draft, selected by the Athletics out of high school. I always forget that Chavez, at his peak, met or surpassed his prospect expectations. From 2001-2007 he hit .270/.347/.491 and averaged 27 HR a season. He also had Gold Glove defense, winning six Gold Gloves. He was easily one of the best third basemen in the game. Between him, Jason Giambi, and Miguel Tejada there was a reason the Moneyball A’s were so good.
I guess the problem was the second half of his career was so forgettable. From 2007 until his retirement in 2014 he hit .256/.317/.431, averaging six HR a season. His days of Gold Glove defense were also over.
His career slide is mostly due to injuries that sapped his power and defensive game. But even in the twilight of his career, he was a dangerous bench player–illustrated by an OPS+ that was 120 or higher for his last three seasons.