Mike McMullen
Former AAA RHP San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I was drafted in the 14th round or the 1993 draft by the Giants. My first year in rookie ball I was 1-6 with a 6 ERA. My second year I did well and had some success. My third year started off well but I ended 4-10. Keith Comstock (A ball pitching coach) Came up to me and said the organization was thinking of releasing me and he thought I should try sidearm to save my career. I threw hard, but it was straight and my breaking stuff was inconsistent.I agreed and in 1996 I started in A ball and ended with a 2.86 ERA. The following season in High A I had a 2.00 ERA with 7 saves and had a 42 inning scoreless streak. In 1998 AA I was texas league relief pitcher of the year with a 2.13 ERA and 9 saves. A Texas league all star and went to the fall league. I was in big league camp the next few years and had success at the AAA level in 1999-2000 and 2001
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
The movement and deception is the main advantage. Its different than what hitters are used to and the natural movement gives pitchers that extra advantage.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
I don’t believe so. I struggled with trying to throw a curve ball and changeup overhand. When I dropped down, my slider was nasty!!! And at 6 foot 6 it looked like I was throwing behind hitters.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
If you’re not getting the results you want throwing overhand then what do you have to lose? Try it, because you never know. It could change your baseball career.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
Stay consistent with your arm angle. My problem was I lost the feel of my arm angle which messed up my control.
6. What pitches did you throw?
Fastball and Slider
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
Righties I would throw my fastball in and then sliders away. Lefties I would mix it up. Fastballs away and in and sliders in and away.. Depended on who the lefty was.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
The reaction from the crowd when I would come in the game!!!