Los Angeles Angels' Ben Joyce: Fireballing Lessons From Kenley Jansen

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Ben Joyce's Untamed Potential: The Raw Power

Ben Joyce possesses a truly exceptional weapon: a fastball that routinely clocks in at triple digits. This raw power has left batters flailing and has quickly made him a name to watch in the MLB. His velocity is undeniably impressive, creating a significant advantage over opposing hitters.

• His average fastball speed: Frequently surpasses 100 mph, making him one of the fastest pitchers in baseball.
• Examples of strikeouts generated by his speed: Numerous instances of batters swinging and missing wildly at his nearly unhittable fastball are readily available on highlight reels.
• Challenges posed by his inconsistent command: While his speed is impressive, Joyce struggles with command and control, leading to walks and less effective outings. This inconsistency is a key area for improvement.
• Mention scouting reports and early career statistics: Early scouting reports highlighted his potential, noting his exceptional velocity but also pointing out the need to refine his command and develop a secondary pitch. His early career statistics reflect this—high strikeout totals alongside a high walk rate.

Keywords: Ben Joyce, fastball, velocity, Angels pitcher, MLB, strikeouts, pitching mechanics, walk rate

Kenley Jansen's Masterclass: Control and Longevity

In stark contrast to Joyce's raw power, Kenley Jansen built his Hall of Fame-caliber career on pinpoint control and remarkable consistency. For years, he was one of baseball's most dominant closers, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations.

• Jansen's career statistics (saves, ERA, WHIP): An impressive record of saves, coupled with a low ERA (earned run average) and WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) demonstrates his sustained success.
• His signature cutter and its effectiveness: Jansen's devastating cutter, a pitch with late movement, was crucial to his success, confounding batters and generating a high number of ground balls.
• His ability to maintain high performance over many seasons: Jansen's longevity is a testament to his dedication to his craft, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude.
• Discussion on his pitching approach and mental game: Jansen's approach emphasizes control, consistency, and a calm demeanor on the mound, even under extreme pressure.

Keywords: Kenley Jansen, cutter, closer, control, consistency, longevity, pitching strategy, MLB career, ERA, WHIP

Bridging the Gap: Lessons Joyce Can Learn from Jansen

The key for Ben Joyce's long-term success lies in learning from Kenley Jansen's mastery of control and consistency. While possessing a devastating fastball is a great start, it's only part of the equation.

• Importance of refining pitching mechanics: Fine-tuning his mechanics will help Joyce improve his accuracy and command, reducing walks and increasing his effectiveness.
• Developing a secondary pitch to complement his fastball: Adding a secondary pitch, like a slider or changeup, would give batters less to hit and would make Joyce a much more unpredictable and challenging pitcher.
• Mental training and focus on consistency: Developing mental toughness and focusing on consistency in his delivery and approach will be vital for success.
• The role of coaching and mentorship in refining his skills: Working closely with experienced pitching coaches and mentors can provide invaluable guidance and accelerate his development.
• Potential impact of improved control on his career longevity: Improved control will not only lead to immediate success but also significantly contribute to his ability to pitch effectively over many seasons, extending his career.

Keywords: Pitching mechanics, secondary pitch, control, command, mental game, pitching development, career longevity, slider, changeup

The Value of a Secondary Pitch

A well-developed secondary pitch is critical for any pitcher's longevity. It allows them to change speeds, vary their arsenal, and keep hitters guessing. For Joyce, a secondary pitch would dramatically improve his effectiveness.

The Importance of Consistency in Professional Baseball

Consistency is the hallmark of elite pitchers. Jansen's career demonstrates that exceptional talent alone is not enough; sustaining high performance over many years requires unwavering focus and dedication to honing one's skills.

Conclusion

Ben Joyce's raw power is undeniable, but mastering control and developing longevity, as exemplified by Kenley Jansen, will be crucial for his sustained success in the MLB. By focusing on refining his mechanics, adding a secondary pitch, and honing his mental game, Joyce can unlock his full potential and emulate the career of a true pitching great. The path to becoming a dominant force in the MLB for years to come requires dedication to these lessons. Learn more about Ben Joyce's development and his journey to becoming a successful pitcher—follow his career and witness the impact of these lessons in action. Follow the journey of the Los Angeles Angels' Ben Joyce and his path to becoming a future legend.