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

During my 1st season of pro ball in Great Falls I didn't have the best of seasons. For my second season I trained hard in off-season and threw harder but I was wilder so the White Sox decided to drop my arm angle and I didn't lose any velocity. The following year I worked on my slider and change-up and things started to come together for me. I had 30 straight scoreless innings in A ball and was selected to All-Star game but couldn't go because got called up to AAA. 

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

I'm 6'6 200lbs with long arms so to right-handed hitters it looked like the ball was coming from behind them. They would turn away versus me. I was pretty dominate vs right handed hitters, they only hit low .100's against me, even in AAA was only .low .200's

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

  I did everything the White Sox asked to gain velocity but struggled with my command so don't think my pro career would have lasted that long if didn't drop down.

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

I would tell them if things are working on you are getting outs then I wouldn't drop down but if you are struggling then why not. It really takes an athlete to pitch from down there, you are using your whole body. It can be something if dealing with shoulder problems it can be something to take to the stress and pain off the shoulder.

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

I would say to not get to picky in regards to location. Don't try to be too fancy when locating your pitches from the lower slot. You are going to be getting good movement and sink on the ball, so use that to your advantage. I would aim for my catcher's chest and let that ball move to the outside or inside corner of the plate. 

6. What pitches did you throw?

Sinker, slider, split changeup

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

 Righties- I could really throw anything I wanted to them.                            Lefties- I struggled vs them, they were able to see my arm slot a lot easier. Power hitting lefties just tried to pull everything so would stay away vs them. Small slap hitting lefties like a Chase Utley I would come more up and in and then mix in the backdoor slider. 95% of the time when it was hard and in they won't swing. 

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

 The success I had with it, I was able to become a closer. Coming into the game in front of 10,000+ fans to the save game is pretty cool feeling.