Nick Pugliese: Former Angels AA RHP, 2013 Italy WBC

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

Well it was my senior year of college (Stetson university) and my pitching coach and I made the decision to make a change because I wanted to get signed and wasn't getting enough outs over the top

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

That angle saved my career for the simple fact that the fear of throwing a strike over the middle was lifted. I know I'm going to get some kind of run/sink which helped me fill up the zone a lot more

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

No honestly I might not have ever played professional baseball after college

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

I would say it's usually a hit or miss feeling. Only change if you're struggling and on the last hope for a change because a lot of arm injuries can come with it if you don't have proper mechanics

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

My whole theory on it is always stay away from leading with the throwing shoulder (helping prevent arm injuries)

6. What pitches did you throw?

All two seam fbs, side arm slider, 3 quarters slider and change up

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Lefties have been the thing that have hurt me along with most side arm pitchers mainly because they see the ball so well but the biggest thing I found with how to get them out is constantly mixing pitches (no back to back pitches). As far as righties hard in, slider away

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

Mainly that I get away with a lot of mistakes. You don't have to be fine because of the movement. I literally try to throw all my pitches down the middle and let them work