Pat Venditte: LHP/RHP Dodgers/A's/Jays/Mariners Team Italy WBC
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I began dropping down after a rough freshman year of college from the left side. Right handed I did not drop down until 8 years later in 2013. I needed something different to have success from the left side and dropping down allowed me to develop a slider that allowed me to pitch well in college and eventually get drafted.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
I use the lower arm angle both left and right handed as well as the right on right and left on left advantage. Breaking balls sweeping away from hitters and fastballs coming out of slots that the hitters are not used to are advantages from pitching side arm.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
Dropping down right handed in 2013 was allowed me to eventually break into the big leagues in 2015. I had spent my first 5 professional seasons being a side arm lefty specialist and needed an edge against right handed hitters. It turned out that dropping down right was that edge I needed. I don't regret not dropping down sooner. To me this game is all about evolving. Hitters are always finding new ways to get the results they want and pitching is no different.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
When it comes time to make a decision to drop down I have always thought the hitters will tell you. In other words if you are over the top and not fooling any hitters then it is time to show them a different look. If that means dropping down, so be it. You have to do whatever is necessary to get hitters out with consistency.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
From a mechanical standpoint for side armers having a good balance point and direction to your target are my keys to success and repeating my delivery.
6. What pitches do you throw?
Left hand I throw a fastball 81-84 slider anywhere from 68-74 depending on what I am trying to do. Change up and curveball in the low 70's
Right Handed 84-89 fastball. Curve slider and change up anywhere from low to mid 70's
7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?
Because I am able to switch hands batter to batter I attack lefties and righties the same. Control both sides of the plate with multiple pitches and try to stay deceptive with different leg holds and quick pitches.
8. What is your favorite part about pitching from down there?
My favorite part about pitching from the side arm angle is that it has allowed me to pitch in the big leagues with velocity that is well below the major league average. It allows for a different path to highest level in baseball for those who do not posses the natural ability to blow hitters away.
