Aaron Trolia: Former AA RHP Seattle Mariners

 

1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?

My Senior year at WSU I started dropping down to get more action on my FB. I was throwing very hard at 91-95 but it was flat and straight. It gave a new look and something hitters would have to account for. Low 3/4 slot at 88-92 with heavy sink was a great addition to still being able to power up to mid 90s to put somebody away.

 

2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?

Heavy sink (when my hand stayed up through release), new look, it turned my FB into a couple different renditions to the hitter but felt the same to me. If I fell behind in the count (more than I want to admit! :) ) I could spread my fingers in a mock splitter grip and throw a"BP" Fastball from down low and it kept the hitters off balance even in hitters counts.

 

3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?

I had success both ways but think I was at my best when I utilized both.

4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?

Should be based off of natural slot and ability level. I look at "dropping down" as a last resort so to speak. It gives everyone a "chance" to keep pitching when their traditional delivery has peaked in terms of action and "stuff."

5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?

You want to mirror the traditional top half of throwing more upright. The hand needs to stay on top of the ball through your arm swing to be able to keep fingers up through release which results in the ball turning over into a sinking action vs sliding arm side run. I think pitchers don't necessarily realize that they don't have to "make" the pitch turn over but its a natural progression of proper mechanics. The mentality should always be "LET THEM HIT IT." Sidearm pitchers WANT contact. Thought process should always be:
1.) identify how much movement you have that day
2.) focus on where the ball will end up so that you can gauge where to start the pitch and then finish right through the starting location.
3.) start in the zone with 2 strikes and let release out of the zone.
4.) be prepared to field your position!

6. What pitches did you throw?

4 seam, sinker, slider, vulcon change

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Used heavy 4 seam to move peoples feet in order to get them out away. Attacked both by establishing FB inside. The game/situation and role that I was in would dictate how each hitter was attacked.

 8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?

The first game I pitched in MLB spring training, our roving pitching coordinator at the time Pat Rice told me that everyone is so excited to see me pitch because I am different than what they typically see. That's been a testimony for me when speaking to young men and women in the sports arena and in everyday life is that they should strive to be different than everyone else. They dream about doing things that most people can't which puts them into the minority of people. Different is good!