In case you missed it, the Oakland GM took Baseball Prospecutus reader questions yesterday, including one from a BB regular. Gerry asked how much of the A's success in developing pitchers is due to good drafting, minor league coaching, the players' internal makeup, and luck. Beane's reply:

A little bit of everything that you mentioned. We also try and minimize economic and health risk by drafting college pitchers. We also feel that because they are older and more experienced, college pitchers have a tendency to give you better early results when they enter the Major Leagues. A small market team has to get as much production as possible during the first three years before a player hits arbitration. Remember, young players are good because they are cost effective. If we can't afford them it doesn't matter how old they are.

Just another reminder that the BP Pizza Feed is only two weeks away. Hope to see you there.