Detroit – Kenley Jansen's outstanding career seems to have run six shots in the Tigers on May 2 in Anaheim, while his new team's era rose to 6.23.
But after Saturday night's career savings against Detroit, Jansen scored 4-2 with a 2.72 ERA, 21-22 in the case of savings.
Jansen's service was not required during Sunday's 9-5 loss at Comerica Park. But the 37-year-old right-hander saved 350 games for him and won three games on four All-Star teams in the highway series that started Monday night against his former team The Dodgers in Anaheim.
Jansen has made 20 consecutive appearances, dating back to June 16, when he was named the American League Relief in July when his opponent beat him .108, and he was named the American League Relief in the Month, with his game almost .35 whip.
On being able to call Jansen's phone number in the ninth inning, Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery said: “Yes, I hope we can visit him again and again. Because he's as good as anyone – obviously, we know he knows nothing. He did nothing but ask for the ball, it's nice to give him and keep adding.”
“I think that's my motivation. It's better than a few years ago,” Jansen said.
“You know, I want to stay sharp so I can keep doing what I like the most. Helping the team win the game and of course there are other things. [Smith]close to 500, and those who are the greatest like Lee, Trevor and Mariano. ”
Jansen grew up in the Caribbean island country of Curacao, and Nary had any conception of this.
“I never thought about serving,” Jansen said. “I always thought I would be a catcher. Watching Pudge Rodriguez and Benito Santiago fall from knee to second place, I appreciate that and start to succumb to knees.
“The next thing you know, I didn't play that well. But I had a great arm and they moved me to the catcher.”
Jansen said Dodgers’ player development director De Jon Watson and farm director Logan White called for him to be converted.
“These two guys mean a lot in my career,” said Jansen. “I don't want to do that, but De Jon talked about me. Today I'm here. Every time I create a record, I get a text from De Jon, who reminds me, 'You don't want to do this!'
“But he felt like two years later, I'm going to be in the major leagues, and in less than a year, I'm there. That's great.”
The biggest change occurred in 2009. His bats were .185, no extra hit rate for Triple-A Albuquerque and sent to Single-A India Empire to start learning how to play as a reliefist. He quickly grabbed it, and in 2010, Inland Empire and Double-A Chattanooga combined with 1.60 ERAs to 1.60. The Dodgers called him and he scored 0.67 ERA and four saves in 25 games. He started as a minor in 2011, but was quickly called to the Grand Slam, and by 2012 he was getting closer.
“The rest is history,” Jansen said. “Going so fast.”
Jansen attributes to Inland Empire publicity coach Charlie Hough, who he calls the “godfather” because he makes him through the transition “by bringing fun into it.” Hough would put pictures of great pitchers like Nolan Ryan on the wall to motivate him.
What are the main elements of Jansen's long-term success?
“I think learning,” Jansen said. “I learn to hitters. Watch the tape, keep an open mind and get better. [former Dodgers pitching coach]God rested his soul in peace. I'll watch Mariano with him because I have that knife [like Rivera]He wants me to watch how Mariano controls the game, how he fights against the batsmen.
“Look at what works for you and what doesn't work for you. Today, I'm still doing the same.”