Ben Joyce and the Mentorship of Kenley Jansen
Angels relief pitcher Ben Joyce, a young and promising talent, has been making waves during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Known for his blazing fastballs that average 102.1 mph and have even reached 105.5 mph, Joyce is a force to be reckoned with on the mound. However, the journey from a flamethrowing rookie to a seasoned closer is fraught with challenges. This is where Kenley Jansen, the 37-year-old former Dodgers closer, comes into play. Jansen, who signed a one-year, $10-million deal with the Angels just before spring training, is not just a veteran player but also a valuable mentor for Joyce.
A Lesson from History: Troy Percival and Lee Smith
To understand the potential impact of Jansen on Joyce, it’s helpful to look back at a similar dynamic from the past. In the mid-1990s, Troy Percival, then a rookie setup man, was deeply influenced by Lee Smith, the Angels’ closer at the time. Smith, who had 478 saves to his name and ranked third on baseball’s all-time list, was a towering figure in the sport. One particular moment stands out for Percival: the night Smith gave up a walk-off grand slam to Mark McGwire. Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, Smith sat down, took a deep breath, and asked for a beer. His calm demeanor and ability to handle failure gracefully left a lasting impression on Percival. This experience taught Percival the importance of mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from setbacks, lessons that were crucial for his own success as a closer.
The Parallel Between Jansen and Smith
The parallels between Jansen and Smith are striking. Both were dominant closers in their prime, and both are at the same age (37) as they transition into mentorship roles. Jansen, with 447 career saves, ranks fourth on the all-time list, just behind Smith. Like Smith, Jansen has a wealth of experience and a reputation for mental fortitude. These qualities make him an ideal mentor for Joyce, who is on the cusp of becoming the Angels’ next great closer. Joyce, known for his overpowering fastball, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his 43 appearances over two seasons. However, closing games is a different beast, and Jansen’s guidance could be the key to unlocking Joyce’s full potential.
The Mentor–Protégé Relationship
Joyce has embraced the opportunity to learn from Jansen, even if it means temporarily stepping back from the closer role. "If it works out that I’m an understudy, I’m all for it," Joyce said. "I’m trying to stay around him as much as I can." Jansen, for his part, has been equally generous with his time and knowledge. He has mentored young relievers throughout his career, including Brusdar Graterol, Victor González, and Caleb Ferguson. "I learned from the guys who did it before me—now I have a little experience, and I’m gonna share my wisdom with him," Jansen said. "This kid is special. He’s throwing 105 mph. He’s fearless, and that’s what we need."
The Lessons Joyce Can Learn
What can Jansen teach Joyce? The list is long and varied. Jansen emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and the skill of reading the game. "How to deal with situations, how to make sure the game doesn’t get big on you, that it doesn’t speed up on you," Jansen said. "How to attack the hitters, knowing who’s in the batter’s box, who’s on deck, who’s in the hole, knowing your strengths, knowing the batters’ strengths, when not to worry about the base runners … a lot of things." Joyce is eager to soak up these lessons. "The possibilities are endless," he said. "How does he approach failure? It’s so hard as the closer, you feel like the game is completely riding on your hands, which is an awesome feeling when it goes well. But when it goes bad, it’s definitely tough. How does he bounce back from that?"
The Day-to-Day Routine and Beyond
Joyce also plans to observe Jansen’s day-to-day routine. "How does he approach the game, his pregame and postgame routines, his recovery?" Joyce asked. "You obviously have to put a lot into it to be able to pitch that many games over 15 years." Jansen, known for his meticulous preparation, spends the first three innings watching the game on a clubhouse television to see how hitters are approaching pitchers. Then he goes to the training room to complete his stretching routine before heading to the bullpen in the sixth inning. This disciplined approach is something Joyce can learn from, as it underscores the importance of consistency and preparation in a long and demanding career.
The Future of the Angels’ Bullpen
The mentorship of Joyce by Jansen is more than just a personal journey; it’s a strategic move by the Angels to ensure the long-term success of their bullpen. With Joyce’s raw talent and Jansen’s seasoned guidance, the Angels are setting the stage for a new era of dominance in the closer role. The hope is that Joyce, like Percival before him, will not only thrive under Jansen’s tutelage but also carry forward the lessons he learns to the next generation of Angels relievers. "He feels like when we have the lead and the bullpen gate opens, the game is over, he expects to win," Joyce said of Jansen. "That’s the mentality you need to have in that position. I’m really excited to watch him in person and learn from him." The future looks bright for the Angels’ bullpen, and the mentorship between Jansen and Joyce is a key part of that future.
