Get to know: Chris Carpenter

Photo by David Durochik.

Though Chris Carpenter has only been in the big leagues for a couple weeks, he’s already making a name for himself at Wrigley Field with a fastball that has been clocked at an astounding 100 mph. As high-paced as his fastball may be, the 6-foot-4 reliever doesn’t currently consider that his best pitch.

“Right now, probably my breaking ball,” Carpenter said on what his out-pitch would be. “But I don’t want to be labeled as a guy that throws just one pitch to get somebody out.”

Carpenter’s breaking ball is not what it used to be, either. It’s gotten better.

“It’s been developed, it’s been broken down, it’s been changed,” said Carpenter, who had his pitch refined by coaches in both Tennessee and Iowa. “Last year was a bigger breaking ball, and this year it’s more of a slider.”

Though originally a starter in college and minor league ball, Carpenter has made the transition to reliever relatively well, and he understands that the approach coming out of the bullpen is considerably different than that of starting.

With his blazing fastball and above-average slider and change-up, Carpenter has the potential to be a late-inning force in the Cubs bullpen.

The full interview with rookie flamethrower Chris Carpenter will be featured in an upcoming issue of Vine Line. Subscribe today to ensure you don’t miss out.