Wyatt Mills: RHP AA- Mariners Team USA Premier 12

 

 

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

I threw from a 3/4 arm slot in high school and my freshman year of college at Gonzaga. In the fall of my sophomore year, I was told I was a good candidate to redshirt in a meeting with my coaches. I decided to change something because I wanted to play and I thought throwing from a low slot was much more comfortable for me whenever messing around. I remember throwing balls to the bucket during BP from the outfield and trying different off speeds. I also started playing sidearm catch with a teammate on a practice field in the evenings. I built up some confidence and asked my coaches to throw a bullpen and I sold them with my stuff. 

 

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

 I believe I get nasty movement arm side, deception, uncomfortable hitters, and velocity.

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

If I didn’t drop down, I think I would have pitched at Gonzaga, but in a much less important role. My body developed late compared to many others and I may have still made a velocity jump as an upper class man. And to the second part, I think the transition happened at the perfect time in my career. 

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

I would tell them to keep it simple. Is it a very natural movement your body can create? I would also add that there is no harm in trying because there are plenty of success stories. 

 

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

Mechanics isn’t something I focus on much, but I stay stacked and ready to explode. I then make sure I’m going toward the plate with my weight and direction. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw a two seam fastball and a 4 seam fastball both that sit around the low 90s.     I throw a slider that sits in the upper 70s.

  7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

I keep learning more each and every day, but I am just attacking both. I am effective against RHHs. Running fastballs in and throwing sliders away. Also elevate my fastball. LHH are more of a challenge for me, but I’m most effective with fastballs elevated and inside along with back door/back foot sliders. 

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

 My favorite part is the opportunity it gave me to play at very high levels of the game. I also love surprising people with my movement, velocity, and control.