Los Angeles Angels' Ben Joyce: Lessons From Kenley Jansen

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Command Over Velocity: Jansen's Masterclass in Control

Kenley Jansen’s career serves as a masterclass in control. While Ben Joyce boasts a fastball that regularly clocks over 100 mph, Jansen's success wasn't built on sheer velocity. His legendary cutter, a pitch often thrown at a significantly lower velocity than Joyce's heater, became his signature weapon. This emphasizes a crucial point: in MLB pitching, pinpoint accuracy trumps raw power.

The difference between a good pitcher and a great one often lies in command. Jansen's ability to paint the corners of the strike zone, consistently placing his cutter where he intended, was a key component of his success.

• Jansen's ability to paint the corners of the strike zone: He rarely missed his spots, consistently challenging hitters even with a less-than-overwhelming fastball.
• The devastating effect of a well-placed cutter: Even against the league's best hitters, a perfectly located cutter could induce weak contact or a swing-and-miss.
• The importance of developing secondary pitches to complement Joyce's fastball: A solely fastball approach is easily predictable at the MLB level. Jansen’s success stemmed from his ability to mix his cutter with other pitches to keep batters guessing.

Command minimizes walks, a crucial aspect for any pitcher but especially for a closer. By minimizing free passes, even a less-than-perfect pitch becomes far more effective. For Ben Joyce to reach his full potential, refining his command is paramount. He needs to learn to consistently locate his fastball and develop a reliable secondary pitch arsenal.

Mental Fortitude: Handling High-Pressure Situations

Kenley Jansen’s career was defined not only by his pitching prowess but also by his extraordinary mental strength. Closing games, particularly in crucial moments and during the postseason, demands an unwavering mental fortitude. Jansen consistently displayed this ability, maintaining composure under immense pressure.

He possessed a unique ability to remain focused and avoid emotional distractions, a skill crucial for a closer. His pre-game routines and mental preparation strategies were instrumental in achieving this level of composure.

• Jansen's pre-game routines and mental preparation strategies: These routines helped him stay calm and centered before entering the game.
• His ability to stay focused and avoid emotional distractions: Jansen's calm demeanor allowed him to execute his pitches effectively, even in high-stakes situations.
• The importance of confidence and self-belief in high-pressure environments: This self-assurance was a key element of Jansen's success.

Ben Joyce can learn much from Jansen's approach. Developing similar mental toughness is essential for success as a closer. Learning to manage nerves, cultivate a consistent mindset, and build unshakeable self-belief will significantly enhance his performance in high-pressure situations.

Adaptability and Pitching Strategy: Learning from Jansen's Versatility

Kenley Jansen's success wasn't solely about his cutter; it was about his adaptability. He understood the importance of adjusting his approach based on the hitter and the game situation. He skillfully used his cutter and other pitches to exploit hitters' weaknesses, a hallmark of a truly intelligent pitcher.

• Jansen's understanding of hitter tendencies and exploiting those weaknesses: He meticulously studied hitters' tendencies and adapted his pitching strategy accordingly.
• His ability to adjust his strategy in mid-game based on the outcome of previous pitches: Jansen was a master of making in-game adjustments, a testament to his strategic thinking.
• The importance of strategic pitching for a closer's success: Simply throwing hard isn't enough; a closer needs to be strategic and adaptable.

Ben Joyce needs to incorporate these adaptable strategies into his own game. Developing a diverse pitching arsenal and adopting a strategic mindset that goes beyond raw speed is crucial for long-term success. He can learn to analyze hitters, predict their tendencies, and adjust his approach accordingly.

Conclusion: Harnessing the Potential

Ben Joyce's prodigious talent is undeniable, but mirroring Kenley Jansen's success demands more than just a blazing fastball. Mastering command, cultivating unwavering mental resilience, and embracing adaptable pitching strategies are essential for sustained success in the MLB, particularly as a closer. By learning from the career of a legend like Kenley Jansen, Ben Joyce can transform his raw potential into consistent dominance, solidifying his place as a top closer in the league. Learn more about the key takeaways from Kenley Jansen's career and how Ben Joyce can apply them to his own pitching style. Keep reading to uncover more insights into Ben Joyce's potential and how he can follow in the footsteps of legendary closers like Kenley Jansen, mastering both the physical and mental aspects of the game.