Mike Cather, RHP ex Atlanta Braves

 

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

Dropped down after 3 innings in pro-ball. Pitching coach (Oscar Acosta) felt that I was tapped out in my current arm slot and felt I would be more effective in lower slot.

 

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

Immediate confidence. Felt like I had a chance to get everyone out, some way, on a ground ball. I gave up a lot of home runs in college and was a little shell shocked. Felt very natural from the beginning and my arm never seemed to hurt anymore. I had shoulder issues dating back to high school and the slot change helped significantly.

 

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

No chance. Would have died on the vine.

 

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

I would ask them 3 questions. One, are you tapped out at your current arm slot? Two, do you have anything preventing you from working on the mechanics for a couple of weeks? And three, are you going to buy into the change and stick with it?

 

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

Don’t try to manufacture the lower arm slot. Throw with a lower slot until one angle becomes comfortable. Control around the plate will typically be the guide.

 

6. What pitches did you throw?

2-seam, 4-seam, Slider and Changeup

 

7. How did you pitch to lefties/righties?

Typically, used 2-seam, 4-seam, Slider vs RH’s and 2-seam, Changeup vs LH’s. Wish I had used more Right on Right Changeups. Very effective pitch.

 

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

Lack of pain throwing; increased ground ball ratio; ability to throw multiple days in a row (6 at my max) and lack of thinking I had to do to compete (easier mentally).