May 16, 2019
Photo credit: New Day Review
Right-handed pitcher Cre Finfrock is finding success in the bullpen for the Lansing Lugnuts.
His success out of the bullpen comes from his ability to be tough on opposing hitters. In fact, Finfrock has held them to just a .182 mark against him in his 3 innings of work with the Lugnuts’.
And even though his time in Lansing is just beginning, the prospect has already fanned seven batters in his two outings.
His ability to keep hitters off-balance comes from his five-pitch repertoire. Currently using a mix of a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam sinking fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup; gives Finfrock many options during game situations.
Using his fastballs to get ahead in counts, and expand the zone helps Finfrock every outing.
“I work to establish the zone, and get ahead of counts with my fastballs,” explained Finfrock. “When I’m ahead in the count, I can expand the zone.”
And when he’s ahead, Finfrock can easily mix in one of his off-speed pitches.
Crediting the coaches in the Blue Jays’ system for helping him fine-tune his secondary pitches; Finfrock believes his slider, curveball, and changeup are more effective since turning pro last June.
“I have made some minor adjustments to my off-speed pitches,” said Finfrock. “Those adjustments come from edgertronic video, and other various tools to fine-tune them to be more effective consistently.”
And that consistency should come over the next four months, as he finishes up his year with the Lugnuts’.
Even though he just got to Lansing, the atmosphere of the ballparks and the fans in the Midwest League has already made an impression on Finfrock.
“The best part of Lansing is the atmosphere that the Midwest League brings,” stated Finfrock. “Everything from the stadiums to the fans are top notch.”
Be sure to follow Cre Finfrock’s progression in Lansing this season, and for years to come.