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Ryan Beckman

Ryan Beckman

former Pittsburgh Pirates AA RHP

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

it was during the 2010 season I was in extended spring training and long story short from over the top my ball was flat and I was having zero success, hitters saw the ball real well and were crushing me, so my coach Mike Steele told me to try it and I was a lot more lose and added a some sink to my fastball which helped a ton

 

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

the pros to my new arm angle is a lot more movement on my sinker and I think right handers are generally uncomfortable in the box against my arm angle seeing as how its coming from behind them

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

 honestly I don't think I would till be playing pro ball without dropping the arm slot

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

I suppose its about how old they are, where they are at in their career, etc. but I think the most important thing is I would tell em to give a shot and if the don't feel any discomfort than see what happens. I knew immediately it was gonna work for me because my arm felt looser and I could feel a whole lot less stress on my shoulder plus I was having a ton more success on the mound

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

the best advice I got when I dropped down was to stop thinking like a pitcher and pretend I was playing the infield. also aim middle and let the ball sink, you want the hitter to hit the ball because chances are it wont be hard contact and youll get groundballs and quick outs

6. What pitches do you throw?

sinker slider change up

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Same approach basically. pitch down to contact. get hitters to groundout with as few pitches as possible. a ground out to me is better than a strikeout, it takes fewer pitches

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

favorite part is prolly the confidence I have that the hitter is not use too and will never be used to hitting a side armer since they see very few of them

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