Kenley Jansen: The Dominant Force in the Los Angeles Dodgers' Bullpen

When it comes to dominant relief pitchers in Major League Baseball, few names come to mind as quickly as Kenley Jansen. The Los Angeles Dodgers' closer has been a staple in the team's bullpen for over a decade, and his impressive resume is a testament to his skill and dedication to the craft. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Jansen's career, his achievements, and what makes him one of the most feared relief pitchers in the game.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Kenley Jansen was born on September 30, 1987, in Willemstad, Curaçao. He began his professional baseball career in 2005, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an undrafted free agent. Jansen started his career as a catcher, but was converted to a pitcher in 2009. The move proved to be a wise one, as Jansen quickly developed into one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the minor leagues.

Breakout Season and Establishment as a Closer

Jansen's breakout season came in 2011, when he posted a 2.85 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 53.2 innings pitched. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen, and he quickly established himself as the team's closer. Since then, Jansen has been one of the most consistent and dominant relief pitchers in baseball, earning multiple All-Star selections and setting numerous franchise records.

Achievements and Accolades

Throughout his career, Jansen has accumulated an impressive array of achievements and accolades. He is a three-time All-Star, and has been named the National League Reliever of the Year twice. Jansen has also been named to the All-MLB First Team twice, and has finished in the top five in Cy Young Award voting on multiple occasions.

In addition to his individual achievements, Jansen has also been a key contributor to the Dodgers' success in recent years. He has helped the team win multiple division titles, and has been a dominant force in the postseason. In 2020, Jansen played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series championship, earning the save in the decisive Game 6.

What Makes Jansen So Dominant?

So, what makes Kenley Jansen so dominant on the mound? The answer lies in his unique combination of velocity, control, and pitch selection. Jansen's cutter, which he throws in the mid-90s, is one of the most devastating pitches in baseball. He also features a sharp slider and a changeup, which he uses to keep hitters off balance.

In addition to his physical abilities, Jansen's mental toughness and competitive drive are also key factors in his success. He has a reputation for being one of the most intense and focused pitchers in the game, and his ability to perform under pressure is unmatched.

As Jansen continues to dominate on the mound, he is sure to remain one of the most feared relief pitchers in baseball. With his impressive resume and consistent performance, he is a valuable asset to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a key factor in the team's success. Whether you're a die-hard Dodgers fan or just a fan of the game, Kenley Jansen is definitely worth watching.

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Note: Kenley Jansen currently plays for the Atlanta Braves, not the Los Angeles Angels. The Los Angeles Angels are a different team, and Jansen has never played for them. I've written the article based on his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers.