Daily Dodger in Review: Kenley Jansen, greatest failed catcher ever?

KENLEY JANSEN, 23, relief pitcher

Final 2010 stats: 1-0, four saves, 0.67 ERA, 13.67 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, 1.00 WHIP in 27 innings.

Contract status: Under team control.

The good: A lightning bolt from the baseball heavens. Was insanely good, particularly considering just over a year before his call-up, he was a failed catching prospect. Threw hard, as expected, but also had considerable poise. Had a stunning 41 strikeouts to 15 walks in his 27 innings. His 0.67 ERA was the fourth lowest for a rookie in major league history (minimum 25 innings). Also, could be baseball’s only switch-hitting pitcher.

The bad: Well, he did give up two earned runs. Really, there is no bad here. He needs experience, but there is nothing to complain about after he was called up July 23.

What’s next: The upside is absolutely intriguing. Despite his quick rise to the majors after being converted to a pitcher in the middle of the 2009 season, he and Carlos Monasterios are currently in the Arizona Instructional League. Jansen is working on pickoff throws, holding runners and developing secondary pitches.

The kind of fundamental stuff most pitchers were able to work on early in their careers. Only this is early in his career.

The take: Jansen was one of the few Dodgers bright spots in a season dominated by disappointment. He’s young (turns 24 in September), talented, eager to learn and his confidence is swelling.

Maybe not next year -- though it could happen -- but he looks like a future closer. In the Dodgers’ dreams, Jonathan Broxton returns to form as the closer next season and Jansen is the right-handed setup complement to left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo. Come on, everyone should have dreams.

Certainly, it’s unrealistic to expect anyone to continue on his amazing straight line to stardom without setback; particularly anyone with such limited pitching experience.

His time as a catcher, however, seems to be partially translating to the mound. Jansen is way ahead of where even the most optimistic would have projected. The enthusiasm needs to be constrained, but he’s made it hard.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[16blows]

"A lightning bolt from the baseball heavens. Was insanely good."

- magically delicious even, dudgers lucky charm... alas, contrary Mother Nature, baseball lightning hath no memory - but one freshman summer a customer. Spare the rod & spoil the phenom, Act II portends not.

Rather Roy Sullivan, A'as tablet beckons - market correction too: Brazoban, Wade, Troncoso - early to rise Ely and of late Broxton...baseball forefathers Jansen's odds on fated lot.

Tho it's a new ballgame, Donnie baseball, as Torre had a Proctor so a Matty now his Kenley; like mentor, not so much matter 'if' as 'when'...

[Labeldude]

Jansen's a rare beacon of light in a sea of future dismal.

[nash]

A friend and I got to see him as a catcher. This is exciting to watch

[Stan]

What would us Dodger fans prefer for 2011? Mattingley using Jansen numerous times to help Mattingley get possible wins or having an effective Jansen available for the 2012 season? See Wade, Troncoso.

No need to answer because Mattingley learned at the feet of Torre.

[OldBrooklynFan]

Wow imagine being a catcher and looking like a pitcher. His throw backs to the mound were probably making the pitchers' pitches look bad. Let's hope he keeps up the good work.
I believe Derek Holland of the Rangers is also a switch hitter.

[Since '58]

I hope the kid is no flash in the pan. It's too early to tell. Who knows how many save chances he will get given this club's offense?
Of course, there will be people like Stan who will tell you that Mattingly has no mind of his own; just like Stan himself, who continues to parrot all the other Mattingly nay sayers.

[bob cuomo]

He certainly was one of the few highlights this season. Yes, he should develop a couple of other pitches, as well as a good pickoff move. If he does these things, watch out, because he already has terrific stuff. I also like his composure...he doesn't get rattled out there.

[Brandon]

Could you imagine if Broxton got back on track next season? Jansen-Kou-Brox to close out a game, nice. Just don't overwork them like Joe did, Donnie.

[Native Angeleno]

Hey, "Since '58" [me too, July 6, a blistering hot Sunday, we sat about 30 rows above 1st, my mom's birthday gift to my dad, tho the Cubs beat the Dodgers 6-2]:

An actual Mattingly fan sighting.

And what do you see in him as a mgr, exactly?? What is there you could?

Seriously, i am curious.