Chad Girodo
former LHP Toronto Blue Jays
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I was in my Sr. year of University and it's something Coach Thompson and I had talked about. He had mentioned it as something of a backup plan. Started throwing some bullpens kind of half sidearm, half from over the top. During an intra-squad game he suggested I try it out. Did really well, got pretty weak contact, found I got more movement from there. After that we decided that I should pitch full time from there.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
It allows me to pitch on consecutive days. I can't throw as hard as others but I can go back to back to back games pitching.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
No I don't. Guess I did have a successful summer ball season after my Junior year from over the top but pitching sidearm has opened some more doors for me I believe
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I think you really have to jump off a cliff with it. You just have to run and go with it. It can be scary thing, tough to try new things. You have to be committed to it otherwise it's difficult to get better at it when trying to pitch both ways.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
I would say you need to really focus on staying closed. It can be really easy to swing open, spin out with everything when pitching sidearm. Stay down and use your legs instead of poping up.
6. What pitches did you throw?
Fastball, Slider and Change-up
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
Lefties I just stick with fastball/slider then mix in the odd change to the righty
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
It's just different. It's something that can set you apart from other pitchers on a team or organization.