Fabio Milano: Former LHP Team Italy, 2004 Olympics, 2006 WBC

 

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

I was always more of a 3/4 guy, it just came more natural to me. It felt more natural for me coming out of my hand. 

 

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

 The advantage for me was the way the ball would run for me, both 2 and 4 seam fastball. My 4 seam would actually run more at times. My 2 seam would get more sink for me though. Against a tough left handed hitter, that’s when I would drop down a little more and my curve would be more of a slider/slurve. 

 

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

I don’t think I would have had the movement on the baseball to succeed. I teach pitchers to stay on top of the baseball but I needed to get underneath it to get the movement that I needed. 

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

I would ask why they are debating it first of all. If they are not lighting up the radar gun with no movement and not being successful then could be an option. Also at the end of a career when you have nothing to loose can extend your baseball career a couple more years. Especially for a lefty getting to be that lefty specialist. 

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

In College I got hammered with mirror drills. It’s just a good way to get a good look of your mechanics. No matter what your arm angle is, over the top, 3/4 or sidearm you need to be getting out in front with your release point. Pitching is all about movement and location, unless you throw 95mph+. Pitching to contact is what’s going to make you an effective pitcher. Every young pitcher seems to want to strike out the batter every at bat. Why throw 5-6 when you can throw 1 or 1 pitch 2 outs instead of having to throw a dozen for 2 outs. 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I was fastball (4-2seam), curve and change. Threw a cutter towards the end of my career. The changeup was always my best pitch. Used a circle change grip but moved the ball over so wasn’t a full circle with my index finger and thumb. Tried to just pull my index finger down on my release. 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

For both hitters I always tried to be inside to them.  Lefties I was fastball and curve. There was always the odd lefty that just had your number then I would mix in the change. Righties I would throw everything at them. I was a closer and pitched to my strengths not the hitters weaknesses. I am firm believer in that. 

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

 I enjoyed the movement that I was able to get on the baseball. Being 0-2 on a Righty and seeing the baseball run away on them.