Mariners pitcher James Paxton throws during fourth inning of a March 4 spring training game in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Mariners pitcher James Paxton throws during fourth inning of a March 4 spring training game in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Mirror reveals the key point in Paxton’s evolution as a pitcher

By Bob Dutton

The News Tribune

PEORIA, Ariz. — “Mirror, mirror on the wall” isn’t just the start of an oft-misquoted line from a fairy tale. (Quick, can you recall which one? Ask your kids or, hey, just go with me on this for a minute.)

The point is this: Any ordinary wall mirror also serves as the key checkpoint in continuing journey by Mariners left-hander James Paxton from tempting potential to reliable performer.

Paxton believes his success stems from “getting that front-side glove to the right position so I can come through in the right spot. Everything syncs up when I get to that spot.”

So he practices in front of a mirror.

“I did it quite a bit when I was working out at Safeco (Field) all offseason,” Paxton said. “I’d mix it in. A few times a week, I’d do 50 mock throws. Well, not throws. I wasn’t going through my delivery. Just getting my glove to that spot.”

The goal was to create muscle memory to the point that when the glove wasn’t in the right position, he’d be able to quickly feel the mistake and correct it. It also serves as a monitoring key for Seattle pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr.

“I can feel it myself, or Mel can tell me,” Paxton said, “that I’m getting too high or two low. I’ve got a position that I get to. In the offseason, I was doing mirror drills to make sure I was getting to the same spot every time.”

Paxton tweaked his delivery early last season at Triple-A Tacoma in conjunction with Rainiers pitching coach Lance Painter. One simple adjustment provided an immediate 4-5 mph boost in velocity. Soon, he was in the upper 90s.

“He thought my arm slot was too high,” Paxton said, “so we tried to bring it down. It was one of those things that just clicked. It was frustrating that it was something like that, such a small thing, that I feel I should have noticed myself.”

It wasn’t just velocity, either.

The new slot added bite to Paxton’s slider, which metrics showed to be one of the best in the game. He also set a high last season in his seven-year pro career by throwing 1712/3 innings between the Mariners and Tacoma.

“He believes he’s a major-league winning pitcher instead of just a major-league pitcher,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s a difference. He expects to go out there every night and go deep in the game to win the ballgame for us.”

Paxton bypassed a chance this spring to pitch for Canada in the World Baseball Classic because: “I want to take another jump in innings this year, a significant one, and I want to save those innings for the Mariners.”

Plans call for Paxton to work 25 innings this spring, including three or four Tuesday against the White Sox at Peoria Stadium. He struck out five of 10 hitters over three strong innings in his previous start against the Chicago Cubs.

“I like where he’s at in terms of mentally and his confidence level,” Servais said. “What he was able to accomplish last year, he’s looking to build on it. I haven’t seen anything to this point that tells me he can’t.”

The key, it seems, is Paxton getting his glove in the right position.

“Just making sure I’m getting it in the same place every time,” he said. “Just having that consistency. It’s great to have drills that I can do. I know what I need to do to lock myself in.”

Mirror, mirror…

The misquoted fairy tale line is from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and occurs when the Evil Queen looks in the mirror and actually inquires: “Magic mirror on the wall…”

For Paxton, it might be exactly that.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.