Mike Devine: RHP Indy ball/AAA Mexico

 

https://twitter.com/Devine_Mike25/status/1220685103401140224

https://twitter.com/Devine_Mike25/status/1183047329047306240

https://twitter.com/StPaulSaints/status/1016550300428259332

 

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

I started very young. My dad always played ball and had his own teams when I was growing up and it seemed like every night we were either at his game or one of me and my brothers games. I would watch the guys on my dads team pitch and at the time I didn’t know they were throwing sidearm cause their arm hurt or they were gettin a little older and just couldn’t get their arm as high anymore! I grew up a shortstop, learning to make throws from multiple arm angles so I just threw the same way when I got on a mound. 

 

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

  I think there are a few huge advantages to dropping down, however, the biggest advantage is simply that it’s different. How often do you hitters take sidearm BP??? Never (on purpose).  They just aren’t used to seeing it from that angle and most hitters change their approach... two  different things the hitter knows he has to do before he even steps in the box, advantage pitcher! From where the ball is released to what it does and how it looks on its way to the plate is just different than hitters are used to. Combine some good stuff with that angle not a ton of comfortable hitters stepping in that box.

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

No. I’ve always been low but never used dropping even further down as anything other than a change of pace before I went back to my natural low 3/4 slot. I started dropping down in high school but until the last few years I only threw fastballs from lower slots, so maybe I would try to learn other pitches from that lower slot earlier in my career if I had to make a change. I think if I didn’t throw from where I do then I’d either be hitting or out of baseball.

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

I would say try to let it be as natural as possible at first, throw a lot with that new angle before getting on the mound. Once nothing feels forced take it tot the mound and if it always feels forced well then sidearming ain’t for everybody!

 

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

Feel every pitch off of your fingers and stay behind the pitch. You see some guys who just sling it and have trouble being consistent(a younger me!). Especially from the side or lower slot a consistent release and finish can be a game changer.  Also, not a mechanical change, but the closer you can be to your armside part of the rubber (righties on 3rd base side) creates a much tougher angle on all hitters.

6. What pitches do you throw?

4 seam 91-94, Sinker 89-92, Slider 77-85, Changeup 80-83

  7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

 

——-Righties- In general I try to make guys hit my best pitch which is my sinker. So I like to establish the inner part of the plate. I feel if I do that I open up the outside corner for a backdoor fastball or a slider and the top of the zone for a 4 seamer.

———Lefties- Again, I love to use the inside part of the plate. The biggest thing for me is to get lefties leaning one way or the other. Guys who are looking to pull get sinkers and changeups away and back-foot sliders. Guys looking to hit the sinker to left get fastballs up and in at their hands.

 

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

 Personally it gives me a different look. Normally I’m a low 3/4 slot but the movement from the lower or subby slot is different than other pitches, adds another few pitches to the arsenal. For me I just enjoy being able to throw from a lower slot to make the ball move differently than it normally does.