Ryan Kussmaul: RHP AAA White Sox, Mexico

 

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

I dropped down my last collegiate start in college in Mt. Olive North Carolina. The reason I dropped down was because my college career was over and I had nothing to lose. In that game I had a perfect game going til the 7th inning til I hit a guy. I always threw from a low slot when I played catch during practice because it always felt good. It always felt like it was taking pressure of my shoulder and elbow. In the games I threw from a higher slot, it never felt as good as when I dropped down.

 

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

 The advantages that I have from throwing from a low slot is the ball is never straight. It always moves! Hitters do not like balls that move, and they do not like balls that come at their hands!

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

 I don't think I would of had the same success if I hadn't dropped down. Do I wish I had dropped down earlier...no. Why...everyone has to learn themselves naturally and for me this is how it all worked out for me and I have learned greatly from it all!   

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

For anyone changing their arm angle I would tell them to feel it out. When you are changing it you have to be 110% committed to doing it, if you're not it will not work out! So make sure your mind is right before doing it! 

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

 Mechanical tips...make sure your fingers are on top of the ball. I think side arm guys biggest downfall sometimes is making sure they don't get on the side of them ball. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

The pitches I throw are a 4 seamer, 2 seamer, slider/cutter, circle change and recently in the last two years a fork/splitty.  My velocity has been anywhere from 88-95 in my career. My average fastball in my career has been around 90-91. 

7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

I pitch to righties middle in and under their hands. Slider/cutters away. Fastballs up. Splitties in the dirt and down. I pitch to lefties cutters in and under the hands. Sinkers away and change ups and splitties away. 

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

My favorite part from throwing from my slot is knowing I'm in full control and hitters coming up with a grimace on their face saying in their head "I hate facing this guy"! I love knowing how uncomfortable they are, and that 1. They are either going to strike out looking really bad 2. Their bat is going to be chainsawed off or 3. They're going to be running down to first shaking their head!