Brian Shouse
LHP, former MLB - several teams - Coach Rangers AAA
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I was told if you ever wanted to get back to big leagues i needed to do something to set myself apart from the other lefties. It was 2001 when i decided to give it a try. At first i was hesitant because I was still getting batters out and doing well. There was only a few games left in the minor league season so I decided to try it in a few games. Had good results so i went to winter ball in the Dominican to work on it. Things went well and signed with K.C. Made the big league team out of spring training and that is when my career was resurrected.
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
By throwing sidearm it allowed my ball to have much more downward sink and run. It gave me more deception. I threw a heavy sinking ball that was only 80 to 84 MPH. My breaking ball was more of a sweeping break with a little downward tilt. Again with that arm angle I was more deceptive to the left handed batters. My breaking ball looked like it was starting behind the hitter or at the hitter. Goes to show that having movement on your pitches is very effective because people would think that there is no way Ii should be able to get hitters out throwing that slow.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
If I didnt drop down I would not have made it back to the big leagues. I was 33 years old and only had about 2 months in the big leagues. If I had any sense i should have given up along time ago but i loved playing the game.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I would only change your arm angle if you feel you are stuck at where you are in your career. I would maybe tell someone to change it if there velocity is declining. Most people do it as a last resort to prolong their caree
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
When throwing sidearm you have to really get out over your front leg and reach out. You have to make sure you keep your front shoulder from raising up or else you will pull off and the ball will be up in the strike zone.
6. What pitches did you throw?
I threw a sinker(2 seamer), a change up and a slider.
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
Lefties I would pound the ball in on their hands then throw the breaking ball away. I really relied on tying up lefties inside so i could get groundballs. Righties I would stay away with sinker and use my lack of velocity to keep them out in front of ball so they would roll it over to the shortstop or third baseman. Occasionally Ii would come inside to keep them honest.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
What I liked most about pitching from down under was some of the funny swings that I would get from hitters as well as knowing I could come into a game and get a ground ball double play to get out of a jam for someone. At least most of the time I could get out of a jam.