Laddie Renfroe, former Chicago Cubs RHP

 

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

In my second year of college at University of Mississippi, I started experimenting with dropping down. I got drafted by the Cubs because I was sidearm. Dropping down sidearm just made more sense as a reliever. I didn't throw 90mph so needed something to get good hitters out.

 

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

Guess in a way an advantage would be it's kind of like softball pitchers were you could pitch every night. I found it wasn't much strain on the arm.

 

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

I don't really think so. I was definitely able to get a lot more movement sidearm. I didn't throw that hard over the top and was able to gain an edge because hitters don't see it very often.

 

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

I would say if you aren't overpowering, depending on the level not throwing that hard and if not getting any movement on your fastball then why not, it could give you another life in baseball.

 

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

Honestly mechanics wise I just did it on my own.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

I threw fastball, slider, change-up.

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Lefties- I would throw them a lot of change ups, it would dive away from them. Righties I would really go after them with a lot of sliders.

 

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

I kind of felt like a position player at times, getting to play everyday. One season in minors I pitched in 78 out of 140 games. One of my AA coaches asked me one day 'You could pitch everyday couldn't you?' The only time I needed a day off in my career was after pitching 10 1/3 IP of relief.