Jeff Beliveau is 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA since being promoted to Class AA Tennessee. (photo courtesy Adam Kline, Tennessee Smokies)

Fighting chance

Former Owl Friday Pitcher Jeff Beliveau credits a new off-season workout program with helping him get control of his body - and hit pitches.

Originally published on 7/22/2011

by Chuck King

To get ready for a season on the diamond, pitcher Jeff Beliveau prepared for the octagon.

Weary of the normal off-season weight training program, Beliveau chose to spend his winter working out with his younger brother Dion, who is becoming a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.

The fast-paced workouts included push ups, pull ups, hitting the heavy bag and wrestling drills with little if any break in between. The result? Beliveau dropped 20 pounds before heading to spring training.

“I feel more in control of my body,” Beliveau said. “I'm able to repeat the same motion over and over again.”

The control of his body has translated in to control with his pitches.

Beliveau is following a 2010 season that prompted MiLB.com to name him the top reliever in the Chicago Cubs system with an even better campaign.

Entering Friday's action, Beliveau is 4-2 with a 1.32 ERA in 38 appearances across two levels.

“I've pretty much found my control - I'm able to throw strikes,” said Beliveau, whose fastball tops out at 94 mph. “Once I got control of my fastball everything else pretty much came along. My change-up is 10 times better this year.”

Despite his success at Daytona in high Class A last year, Chicago sent Beliveau back to the Cubbies to begin 2011.

“I was pretty pissed to find out I was going there because I was told I was going to Tennessee,” Beliveau said.

Beliveau didn't let the snub affect his performance on the mound, and he didn't stay in Daytona long.

After allowing one earned run in 17 1/3 innings, Chicago promoted Beliveau to Class AA Tennessee.

He been just as dominating with the Smokies, posting a 1.69 ERA in 26 appearances and striking out 49 in 37 1/3 innings.

“I haven't really found much of a difference from High A to Double A.” Beliveau said.

The Smokies are using Beliveau – currently the only lefthander in their bullpen – in a set-up roll.

He likes coming out of the pen late in games trying to protect a lead.

“It's really exciting, especially pitching in close games,” Beliveau said.

The Cubs, though, may be grooming Beliveau for bigger and different situations. They've recently asked him to throw more sliders, especially against lefthanded hitters.

Showing the organization that he can consistently throw a third pitch for strikes might prompt the Cubs to give Beliveau another promotion this season.

“They know that I can throw my fastball and change-up for strikes.” Beliveau said.

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