Bryan Rembisz
Former AA RHP Anaheim Angels
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I actually don't throw exclusively side arm, I dropped down probably 10 times a game on average. I use many different windups, different speeds, pauses and so on. I was pitching well when i first got called up to Double A and then when i started to struggle the pitching rover came into town and suggested that i change my style similar to how Luis Tiant pitched. I threw a bullpen and the other players were giving me suggestions on every which way to pitch so i tried everything it was fun and i ended up have some success with it.
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
Anytime you give a hitter an angle from which they are not used to it can give you an advantage on the mound. Throwing from down low can keep the hitters off balance but it is tough to find the same release point every pitch.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
Throwing all different kinds of pitches with different windups and speeds gave me a lot of success in the beginning. As the hitters started seeing me a few times and knew what i was looking to do i started to get hit a little more and had to think of new ways and styles to get outs.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
Anybody thinking about dropping down is probably trying to reinvent themselves as a pitcher, which can be a good thing if done properly. Since Its not widely done someone who can have success with it may have an opportunity they may have not otherwise had. I never had any arm problems and play 2nd base in college so i was used to throwing from different angles so it was easy for me. However some people may experience arm problems from dropping down, so i wouldn't suggest someone with previous arm injuries to try this as it can put a lot of pressure on shoulder and elbow.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
I think the most important thing about side arm mechanics is repeating the same delivery over and over and finding a consistent release point. The toughest part for me was being to locate my pitches from down low with consistency.
6. What pitches did you throw?
Fastball, slider, change-up, curve ball. I would also mix in an euphus and knuckle ball on occasion. From down low i was mainly stick with a fastball and slider with an occasional change up.
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
I would mainly use side arm on right handed batters and pitch what i consider normal for me to lefties. As myself being a left handed batter i always thought that i could see the ball much longer against a right handed side arm throwing, so i try to take that into account when I'm out on the mound.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
When i started utilizing side arm, pauses and different wind ups in my game I noticed that i was able to keep the hitters off balance and they couldn't really get a feel for what I was trying to do out there on the mound. I tried to use that to my advantage and i think it worked and prolonged my career. I've always been one to have fun while on the mound and this style of pitching just fit me perfectly. I work quick and with everything I did out there the defense always had to be ready and wanted to be ready not knowing what I was going to go next. I created styles that aren't normally seen. Teammates would come up with new pitches and deliveries and I would try them in bullpens and then utilize them in game situations if I liked them. It was fun for them and fun for me, so it worked out and the fans enjoyed it as well.