Jonny Cheshire: RHP AAA Twins

 

 

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

 I first started throwing sidearm my very first college practice as a freshman in the fall. I got on the mound and was starting my bullpen when the pitching coach asked if I had ever thrown sidearm before. I was shocked, and told him “no.” He asked if I wanted to try it, I agreed and we worked on it that fall and never looked back. That was the fall of 2013. 

 

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

  Some advantages of throwing from my arm slot are deception and sink. I get above average sink on my fastball and I am able to hide the ball and be deceptive with my delivery. It makes hitters a little bit uncomfortable which is an advantage as well. 

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

I do not think I would have the same success if I hadn’t dropped down. Knowing that I am different and make hitters uncomfortable gives me confidence on the mound which, combined with my “stuff” sets me up for success. All of my pitches have better movement throwing sidearm, than they did when I threw over the top. I think I dropped down at the perfect time in my career.  

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

I would tell someone debating changing their arm angle, that it is not easy and it takes a lot of hard work and practice, but if you stick with it and figure out what works for you then it could further your baseball career and benefit you in the long run. 

 

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

I would say, mechanically as a sidearmer it is important to stay back in your delivery and get extension towards the plate. Be smooth and find what’s comfortable. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw a four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, and split finger changeup. My four-seam fastball velocity is 88-91. My sinker velocity is 86-89. My slider velocity is 78-81. My changeup velocity is 79-82. 

  7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

The way I pitched to righties is with sinkers in and sliders away, I try to keep them off balance and then expand the zone down or away. I pitch to lefties by essentially the same method, hard in soft away. I like to throw four seam fastballs up in the zone or above the zone late in the count. I set that up with changeups, sinkers, and sliders down in the zone to get them diving over the plate. I believe a well executed pitch thrown with conviction and confidence is more important than the pitch selection or the location. 

 

 

 

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

My favorite part about throwing sidearm is being different,  having my own identity and not being a stock righty, I love toying with hitters and keeping them off balance.