Jason Richman: Dodgers/Rangers AAA LHP

 

 

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

I threw over the top until my Sophomore year of college when I was asked to drop down because of a drop in velo. It was something I always messed with but never full time until then.

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

I think the fact that hitters see stock righties and lefties 95% of the time and then have to see a side arm guy is a huge advantage for the pitcher. Another advantage is the first pitch of the AB. You have to be careful just floating something in there but a lot of guys want to see one and get their timing before they take the bat off their shoulder.

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

I think my career would’ve been a lot like my freshman  year. Up and down. I started on Saturday’s and I probably would’ve been a weekend guy my entire collegiate career but there’s a lot of lefties who throw 86-88 around the country. 

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

Depends who they are and what type of athlete they are. If they’re at a point in their career where things just aren’t going as planned and not making the jumps needed, then its a great way to further your career and possibly turn it into a craft that isn’t easy to teach (or hit).

 

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

Mechanics are very personalized from the sidearm delivery. The most important thing is sink when talking about a sidearmer. If you’re getting good sink, then you’re doing something right. Being a sidearmer is more mental than physical. If you can train to body to be consistent and train your mind to trust your body/arm then you can repeat your delivery and move the ball in and out of the zone more efficiently.

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw a sinker: 83-86, a slider: 72-74, and a “cutter” try to make it more like a rise ball: 80-82

 

 7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

I don’t have a set way to pitch to either. My whole goal is to get guys out in as few of pitches as possible. The less they see you, the more deceptive you’ll be and the more deceptive you are, the more success you’ll have. I work anywhere in or out to both lefties and righties but always down unless I’m going up for effect. Now in certain situations, you have to strike out “Your Lefty”or “Your Righty” situationally so in those instances, I like to think of the count starting in 0-2 and I’m not going to give in or throw anything that’s a “Get Me Over” 

 

8. What is your favorite part about pitching from down there?

I like being different than everyone else. Coming into a game and looking at the batter and seeing his deer in the headlights look is what gets my juices flowing. He needs a knock to keep his hit streak going and he can’t even see the ball. That’s a helmet slam waiting to happen after he sees 3 and hits the pine.