Eric Yardley
San Diego Padres RHP
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I was asked by my coaches to drop down during the summer between my sophomore and junior year of college (2011) because I had lost my effectiveness as a standard arm angle guy at the D1 level. After messing around with it over that summer, I found a slot that felt comfortable and started getting outs consistently again.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
The biggest advantage that I have noticed is that I do not have to be as perfect with my location. The natural movement that is created from the slot alone allows me to throw the ball on the plate more than that of a standard slot pitcher.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
Absolutely not. I was a very, very average pitcher before I dropped down. Dropping down made me unique and freed up my mind as a pitcher.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
There are really two questions:I would suggest that they understand why they have been asked to drop down. For most, it is because they have hit the end of the road with regard to success in the game of baseball at their current slot. Once the pitcher accepts the thoughts and theories behind dropping down, BUY-IN and attack the new role.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Mess around with several arm slots and angles before settling in on one spot. Don't force it. There are too many variations of arm angle, wrist angle, hip angle, landing spot, etc. Find a comfortable spot and throw, throw, throw.
6. What pitches do you throw?
Fastball, slider, change-up
7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?
I don't really have a set plan. I know that I am going to throw a lot of sinking fastballs to both and let them get themselves out because I am not going to overpower them. It really depends on what I see in their swings and what kind of movement I have on that given day.
8. Lastly what is your favorite part about pitching from down there?
I love that I can throw almost every day. I don't get sore or fatigued the same way that I did when I was over-the-top. I also enjoy the amount of groundballs that I can get. Always a threat for a double play.