Bryan Dumesnil, Ex minor leaguer Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Team Canada World Baseball Classic

 

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

I had been released twice. The dodgers (02-03) Orioles (04-05) Went to Winnipeg and got released. Came home and played sr men's and just had enough of playing baseball at the time. Frustration was setting in with a poor career. I was messing around throwing a bullpen with another coach after practice with the high school team I was helping coach also and it was alot fun. It felt really good to.

 

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

2006-2008 I was much lower then I am now. I've come up to a straight 3/4 ish. Brina Fuentes style I guess is close.

I'm throwing harder now then I ever have. 88-93mph. I think mechanically I'm in my natural armslot my mechanics suit. When I was lower I had much more movement and control but lacked the same type of velocity and downward plane to my breaking pitch.

With the arm angle now I still have good sinking action but its tighter and later with more vertical action then horizontal. Plus my breaking pitch has more depth and velo.

 

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

If I didn't drop down my career was over. I like to think of my career actually starting in Quebec City in 2006 after dropping down. The first 4 yrs was learning how to fail. Alot.

My accomplishments after dropping down have made accepting my career even without making it to the big leagues easier to live with.

 

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

I changed my arm angle because my career was basically done. It could be done for many different reason. What it all comes down to is each pitcher making up his mind how they want to throw.

 

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

Keep the ball down and over the plate going out of the strike zone. Breaking pitches must have some late downward action. control both sides of the plate with the fastball. Mechanics was tough because again its different for everyone I think. I've talked to some other sidearm lower guys and it really comes down to what works best for them. I stood straight up and bent when I was lower. I'd probably go with understanding that release point out front being consistent and getting over the ball so you could keep it down. Flattens out really bad and sits there when you miss.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I throw a 2 seam. 4 seam fastball. Slurve type breaking ball. Change up. Two seam type grip.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Lefties I'll establish my fastball away with the 4 seam and see reaction. Two seams in on the hands if they can handle the outer half and to also get them from leaning for my breaking ball. Starting on the 1st base side of the rubber. Way as much. More change ups and back foot the breaking pitch.

 

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

able to get away with just throwing fastballs down the middle low and getting early count ground balls in any count. Making some hitters look bad.