Preston Morrison: Cubs AAA RHP

 

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

I've never 'dropped down' actually, my entire life I'vejust thrown like this. I had some Rec ball coaches try and raise my arm slot but that didn't feel right so I stuck with my natural slot and luckily I had some great pitching coaches along the way that me develop. 

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

I feel like my biggest advantage with my slot is that I've thrown like that my whole life- I have a feel to where I can change the shape or take some velo off a pitch and not have my location suffer. 

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

N/A

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

I would say that for as long as possible in one's career they should try to stick with their natural arm slot. I believe this is one of the reasons why I have not had a major arm injury and have never missed more than a week in a season - as my body developed, it developed my shoulder to benefit my throwing motion.

If you are thinking of dropping down it's important to consider where you're starting and where you want to be in terms of arm slot, shoulder tilt and others. The move doesn't have to be drastic. I believe a drop of about 15/30 degrees for some high 3/4 pitchers could benefit them with added movement and can help develop better secondary pitches.   

 

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

I believe every pitcher has to know their triggers. These are things that happen or things that the pitcher feels or focuses on during his mechanics. Whether it's keeping the frontside shoulder down range or keeping positive and aggressive self talk, it's important for the pitcher to find out what their triggers are. They can them ask if they are excuting their triggers if things are not going as planned. 

6. What pitches do you throw?

2 seam fastball 84-90 avg 87, Sinker 83-87 Change 79-84 Slider 81-84 Curveball (sweeping slider) 74-79

 

 7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Honestly I try just to speed up and slow down every hitter I face. Meaning after taking a look at the scouting report and their swing I try to take my tools and use their swing against them. Ex: guys who try and stay short/take the ball up the other way I like to try and jam them. Guys who have big swings, I try to get them to swing at pitches they don't want. But when all else fails I try to keep it simple and just make good pitches. 

 

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

It gives me a unique thing that makes me stick out!