Tyler Bray: AAA RHP Cardinals

 

 

 

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

I was over the top until my junior year of college. Well in the fall of my junior season I was told that I wasn’t good enough to have any significant innings and they suggested that I change my angle.. After that year, our team was ranked amongst the worst in RPI rating. That’s how bad I was.. but I dropped down because I wanted to play. And the rest is history. 

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

I think the biggest advantage I have for my career, is that I am different than most pitchers. Unique. I stand out because not only am I side arm, I throw pretty firm for someone who drops down. 

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

I don’t think I would be in the situation that I am in, if I hadn’t if dropped down. I would just fall into the typical RHP.. it would have been very hard for me to separate myself from others.. on the other hand, I truly believe that me throwing over the top when I was younger and through high school, junior college gave me a chance to play pro ball. 

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

 I would tell them to go for it. Find a way to get hitters out. I think that kind of goes with the last question.. at some point we all run into failure. I failed at the D1 level and made an adjustment. Whenever that time is for someone, that’s when I would start playing with my angle and finding a way to compete. 

 

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

First movement needs to be home...and stay that way versus falling to third base side. Another would be to stay on top of the baseball. Even though we drop down, we still need to drive the baseball down and create some tight spin with sink. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

 I throw a sinker, slider, change up. I’m anywhere from 88-94.. I pitch my best around 88-90 bc I’m getting more sink on the ball..

 

 7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

I throw righties inside.. I want to expand their zone into their hands and throw my slider off of that to the outer third. Lefties I start just about everyone of them with a slider. I encourage younger guys to start doing that. It just opens up the plate and if they swing. I thank them for doing so. 

 

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

 I enjoy being able to come into a game and cleaning up messes. Getting that groundball or rolling a double play.