Ben Joyce: Learning From Kenley Jansen's LA Angels Experience

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Ben Joyce's Impressive Velocity and Potential

Joyce's Raw Talent and Need for Refinement

Ben Joyce's raw talent is undeniable. His fastball consistently sits in triple digits, a rare feat in professional baseball. However, possessing a triple-digit fastball is only part of the equation. To reach his full potential, Joyce needs to refine several aspects of his pitching arsenal.

• Exceptional Velocity: Joyce has reportedly touched speeds exceeding 103 mph, making him one of the fastest pitchers in baseball.
• Command Challenges: Maintaining consistent command at such high velocity is a significant hurdle. He needs to improve his control and pinpoint accuracy.
• Developing Secondary Pitches: Reliance solely on a fastball leaves him vulnerable. Developing effective secondary pitches, like a curveball or slider, is crucial for long-term success.
• Strategic Pitching: Understanding when and how to utilize his pitches strategically, based on the batter and game situation, is vital.

While statistics on his minor league performance are readily available online, the key takeaway is that while the velocity is there, developing command and secondary pitches is paramount for sustained success in the MLB.

Kenley Jansen's Experience and Mentorship

Jansen's Proven Track Record as a Closer

Kenley Jansen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the LA Angels. As one of baseball's most dominant closers, Jansen boasts an impressive career filled with accolades and postseason success. His presence significantly bolsters the Angels' bullpen.

• Career Highlights: Jansen has earned multiple All-Star selections and holds numerous saves records.
• Postseason Success: His experience pitching in high-pressure situations during the playoffs is invaluable.
• Veteran Presence: Jansen's veteran leadership and experience in the clubhouse provide an unparalleled learning environment for younger pitchers.

The Mentorship Opportunity for Joyce

The mentorship opportunity for Ben Joyce under Kenley Jansen is potentially transformative. Jansen can provide invaluable guidance in several key areas:

• Velocity Management: Learning to harness his incredible speed without sacrificing command.
• Secondary Pitch Development: Jansen's expertise in developing and utilizing a variety of pitches can greatly enhance Joyce's repertoire.
• Mental Preparation: The mental aspect of pitching, especially closing games, is crucial. Jansen's experience in handling pressure situations is invaluable.
• Navigating High-Stakes Situations: Jansen can teach Joyce how to stay calm and focused in high-pressure moments, a critical skill for any closer.

Observing Jansen's Approach to Pitching

Analyzing Jansen's Pitch Selection and Game Strategy

Ben Joyce can learn immensely from observing Jansen's strategic approach to pitching. Jansen's ability to adapt his strategy based on the batter and game situation is a masterclass in pitching intelligence.

• Pitch Selection: Jansen skillfully selects pitches based on the batter's strengths and weaknesses, maximizing his chances of success. Specific examples of his cutter usage and the effectiveness of his secondary offerings will be invaluable for Joyce.
• Runner Management: His experience in handling runners on base, knowing when to throw a fastball and when to mix in his secondary pitches, demonstrates strategic baseball acumen.

Learning from Jansen's Routine and Preparation

Jansen's meticulous approach to preparation provides another valuable lesson for Joyce.

• Warm-up Routines: Observing Jansen's warm-up routines, and understanding how to prepare his body and mind for a game, is crucial for consistent performance.
• Pre-Game Rituals: The importance of pre-game routines and mental preparation cannot be overstated. Jansen's approach can help Joyce develop a consistent pre-game routine.
• Mental Fortitude: Jansen’s mental approach to high-pressure situations can greatly benefit Joyce, reinforcing the importance of visualization and maintaining focus.

Conclusion

Ben Joyce's potential as a dominant MLB pitcher is immense. His partnership with Kenley Jansen provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth and development. By learning from Jansen's experience, Joyce can refine his command, develop effective secondary pitches, and master the mental game necessary to succeed as a closer. The mentorship opportunity is not just about velocity; it's about transforming raw talent into sustained success. Follow Ben Joyce's journey as he learns from one of the best, and witness the development of a potentially dominant force in the LA Angels bullpen. Keep an eye on Ben Joyce's growth as he learns from Kenley Jansen; future articles will provide updates on his progress. Learn more about Ben Joyce's development within the LA Angels organization.