Isaac Rodriguez
AAA RHP Mexican League
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
Growing up as a position player my father would always throw batting practice to my brothers and I, and to challenge us he would drop down and through submarine but the crazy thing about it he would drop down from the right and left side. As a hitter I thought that was one of the most challenge things to hit was a submarine pitcher, and For some crazy reason I told my self that I could through like my father.When I was about 13 I started messing around in my backyard with it, just dropping down. My brother had a strike zone in our backyard on the wall and that's were it all began. It took me about 2 good years to finally start throwing like that in a game.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
In my opinion I believe that good hitter has a window where they recognize and see the ball being released from a pitcher. But when your throwing submarine or side arm it's hard for them to create a new window to see where that pitch is coming from. And just to top it off everything is moving nothing is hardly flat.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
If I didn't drop down I wouldn't be where I'm at today. I became a professional because I dropped down, if I didn't drop down I wouldn't have had the success that I have had so far In my career. I think I dropped down at a good age not to young and not to old.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
Do it because you want to don't let no one else change you if u believe you can do it give it a try. Just make your mind up and stick to it don't give up.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Yes, always stay straightforward when your throwing the ball. A lot of right hand side arm or submarine pitchers tend to fall over to the right side mid pitch. Always remember to stay on a line.
6. What pitches do you throw?
I have 4 pitches. 1.fastball/sinker 2. Slider 3. Riser 4. Change upI sit around mid 80's but can get it up to 88
7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?
Righties- I always try to show them my fastball and paint away once they've seen it I try to work hard in and soft awaylefties- I try to always work away fastball and change up away and sliders in, but 2 good pitches for lefties is a back door slider and change up away
8. Lastly what is your favorite part about pitching from down there?
My favorite thing about it is seeing the fear in a hitters eyes