Ben Julianel: Former LHP AAA several teams

 

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

I never really threw hard, always took pride in myself in having to trick the hitters. I was very athletic enough to fool around with dropping down. Even just when would throw the football around would fool around and drop down. My ritual in games was I would always throw the last pitch in warmups when the catcher was throwing down, sidearm. Wanted to show everyone in opposition's dugout that they needed to be on toes when facing me.

 

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

It's definitely another look for hitters. When I dropped down vs left handed hitters overall they really didn't have a chance.

 

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

I don't know, that's a good question. Guess I only would go sidearm I'd say 5% of the time, but it was something that I would to do set myself apart from other LHP's, another arrow in the quiver so to speak.

 

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

I'm a big believer in pitchers need good stuff to get hitters out. If you are a mid 80's RHP and your short on stuff then could be something to give your career some longevity. There is what is called the 'black hole' in baseball. RHP-vs Right-handed hitter that low and in sinker that you can get with lower arm angle. It's either going to miss bats or they are going to foul it off their shin.

 

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

I would say to make sure you commit your head when throwing the pitch. Make sure your head is getting low too. Common for a lot of young pitchers that are sidearm, to just drop their arm but head is still up straight.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I would like got say 2 seam fastball but was just 4 seam fastball, change, slider.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Righties- I would show my change-up as soon as possible in the count. Then mix in fastball and slider. I actually would get a lot of strikeout's vs them.

Lefties- I would just stick with the fastball and slider.

 

8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?

It made me look like I was athletic when I would drop down. Guess everyone wants to be nasty with their stuff. Dropping down can definitely be nasty to hitters.