Lance Painter
Former LHP MLB pitcher St Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
Started to drop down in 1995. Struggled against lefties and the side arm angle allowed me to run the ball away from lefties as well as give me a slider spin breaking ball to sweep away from lefties.
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
From 1996-2000, lefties struggled against me and that exuded much more confidence than I ever had.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
See #2 answer.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
The only way I suggest changing armslots is when there a pitcher has peaked on success from the other slot.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Pitchers and pitching coaches have to make sure that proper upper body bend is assisting the arm . If you just drop your arm I can guarantee an arm injury will occur. You also have to make sure you are getting extended to the plate as far as you can reach. If not, the pitcher will be flat in the zone and that makes good hitting.
6. What pitches did you throw?
(no answer)
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
My approach to lefties and righties were similar at times, different at others. It really depended who the hitter was. I never dropped down against a righty. I would have been giving the hitter too good of a look from down there.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
(no answer)