Heading into the 1990 MLB Draft, the Oakland Athletics knew that their window was closing. They were still a dominant team, fresh off their World Series sweep of the Giants, but had to face reality. Their pitching staff, particularly the rotation, was aging, and in need of new blood.
When the draft came around, the A’s were expected to prioritize pitching, hoping to find the next crop of arms that could help that success become sustainable. They had some luck, with Todd Van Poppel, a fireballing Texas high schooler who drew comparisons to Nolan Ryan, dropping down the board until the 14th overall selection, which the A’s had gotten from the Brewers as compensation.