Mitch Stetter
Former Milwaukee Brewers LHP - Pitching coach Royals Org.
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
When i was in low A ball (2004) my pitching coach showed me a drop down slider. I only threw it to lefties when the count was 0-2 because i didn't have good control over it yet. I officially started throwing fastballs and sliders from there on a regular basis in the spring of 2007.
2. What are some of the advantages you had from your arm angle?
The biggest advantage for me throwing sidearm is deception. I throw with my foot on the first base side of the rubber. So when I drop down and throw, a lefthanded hitter has a tough time seeing the ball. Most hitters say it looks like the first baseman is throwing the ball.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
I was always tough on lefties even when I didn't drop down. But dropping down took me to the next level (big leagues). I made it to triple A pretty quick but I was stuck there for a little while. When I started the sidearm arm slot i had even more success and that's what got me to the big leagues.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I would make sure they weren't having success anymore with their normal angle. It's more of a last resort kind of thing when it comes to throwing sidearm. You don't see guys get drafted and have coaches tell them to change their angle. I think the player has to be o.k. with it too.. not just the coach.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
The biggest tip I think is getting your arm out front. You really have to exaggerate it quite a bit. Another tip is to stay down and through the ball. It helps to have strong legs when throwing sidearm because you rely even more on your legs.
6. What pitches did you throw?
Fastball and slider.
7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?
To lefties i throw primarily from the sidearm delivery. To righties i will throw sidearm and over the top like I used to before I started throwing sidearm. i mix fastball and slider from both arm slots.
8. Lastly what was your favorite part about pitching from down there?
Facing a lefty that i've never faced before. Sometimes their reaction is pretty funny because they have never faced someone like me before.