[Matplotlib-users] Offsetting tick labels

[Adam D. <ada...@gm...>]

I am trying to get alternating tick labels to move completely above and
completely below the x axis. If I call:

    set_ha('top')

... then the number appears fully below the x axis. However, when I call:

    set_ha('bottom')

... then the number appears roughly vertically centered on the axis.

I am aware that vertical alignment only matches text to its bounding box.
Is there a way to move this bounding box? I have tried calling set_position
on the text but this seems to have no effect. I would be grateful for any
suggestions as to how I can move the tick labels appropriately.