MESA, Ariz. - One of the more unusual sights this spring in A’s camp comes when Nolan Blackwood takes the mound.
Blackwood is a 6-foot-5 right-hander who throws sidearm with a nonchalant, minimal delivery that he describes as “pretty much knee-to-knee, get out there and sling it.” It works: Blackwood earned 19 saves at Class-A Stockton last season, then had a terrific Arizona Fall League season, going 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA.
“Righties don’t like it - at all,” Blackwood said of his sidearm style, which includes a nasty sinker and, given his arm angle, a rising slider.