Mike Rochford: Former Boston Red Sox LHP

 

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

I had to reinvent myself after the 1985 season because of ACL surgery on my left knee. I had lost the ability to drop and drive on my left leg. I started dropping down to give a different look since my velocity had also decreased.

 

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

I felt if I could give the hitters a look they don't see often it might give me an advantage.

 

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

If I had never dropped down it may have held me back but my legs were never going to let me stay that long anyways.

 

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

I would only change the arm angle on students if I felt their stuff would not be good enough to get them to the big leagues, but would not discourage starting that way.

 

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

As a lefty I would try and throw across my body as much as possible to create a tougher angle.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw a sinker and slider but because I threw from different arm angles never mastered anything else.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

The key to pitching lies within creating pitches that look different from the same angle. To me, Cliff Lee is the best at this. Wether it's a fastball or change-up it all comes out of the same slot.