Dodgers Enter 2020 With A Chip on Their Shoulder, Kenley Jansen Says on MLB Network
Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen was in the news on Wednesday for some development work he’s been doing on his cutter. Then he appeared on MLB Networks’ High Heat with Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo to talk about the 2019 season, as well as the season upcoming.
You can see the entire clip below, but let’s take a look at what Kenleys had to say to Russo.
Are the @Dodgers entering 2020 with a chip on their shoulder?
Closer @kenleyjansen74 joined @MadDogUnleashed on #HighHeat ? pic.twitter.com/r6msNYKN40
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2020
First, Russo asks Jansen on how he’s feeling in preparing for the upcoming season after losing to the Washington Nationals.
[adace-ad id=”118525″]“Everything happens for a reason, you know? We don’t want to lose in situations like that, we want to win a championship. But you have to look at it like a blessing and get fully recovered. Since December 22nd I have been working out in LA. I’ve done some research about what’s been going on with my cutter and my body position. I’m following up with all the workouts, my body is feeling great. 2019 is all done, and in 2020 try to have the Dodgers win a championship. That’s what it’s all about.”
Next, Russo asks about the Dodgers’ mindset after the tragic ending to 2019. He wants to know if the Dodgers have a chip on their shoulder.
“You gotta give Washington credit. The starters they have is pretty legit. We have one of the best offensive teams in the league and they held us down a little bit. They went into the second round and it went quick. Then they beat up on the Astros. You gotta give them credit, they’re the World Series champs. At the same time we gotta get it back together. People have to understand with us not making moves, we had a really good team. We gotta be competing and try to get back to the playoffs.”
Indeed the Dodgers of 2019 were a really good team. Still, when you when a franchise record amount of games in the regular season; losing in the NLDS will fail to satisfy the masses.
The Dodgers have to do better, and Jansen knows this. For them to take the next step – he will need to be closer to the pitcher he’s been during his best seasons – and not the one is was for much of 2019.
NEXT: Remaking Dodgers Closer Kenley Jansen
Kenleys been a good Dodger.
And the rest of the BP could be more effective later in the year if Roberts and Co. simply allow the starters, if possible to go deeper into games thus not putting such a big burden on the BP, especially earlier in the year.
Its looking to me Paul Friedman is going to sign 15 reclamation projects to burn up in middle relief, to save the arms on the rookie starters. So doesn’t look like anyone will be going more than 5. The Hill scenario. So by the end it will either be a giant question mark, or once again the Dodgers will lead the league in triple A roster moves.
Look, “talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words.”
Didn’t you guys have a chip on your shoulder after 2017? And again after 2018?
You think Don.? Kenleys last year, so maybe he’ ll play for a contract…
The fans have chips on their shoulders too. Jimmy Nelson and Blake Trienen will make it all better.
There’s so much lying and positioning going on out there and it starts with politicians teaching everyone how to talk. Never any truth and never any accountability for their own failures. All because of fake news and reporting. What the heck can anyone believe anymore? Jansen is an utter failure at the end of his career and saying this team with be anything better with no additions will only be as good as last year. Get rid of this guy who has said fans have no right to boo bad performance.
Nik so true about the media! Even on sites like this there is a agenda! A week or 2 back there were tons of disgruntled fans displaying complete dissatisfaction with Kasten and this FO! A lot of Dodgers fans asking some very truthful questions of why with all the money, T.V. deal, a solid farm with plenty of prospects why they won’t buy a few pieces to solidify their rotation, the Bull pen, and some right handed power! Then Kasten like a politician makes public statements and the media is all in excusing him. Many stories suddenly show up about how All farm players are the greatest ! How the Dodgers are a top metrics team etc. Suddenly the narrative is changed, all is supposed to be forgiven and tickets go on sale Dodgers fans!!!!!! Nothing to see here, move along now!!!!!
WITH FUDMAN & KASTRO IN CHARGE DODGERS WILL NEVER WIN WS. OWNERS MAKE TO MUCH MONEY, AS LONG AS THIS GOES ON W/ A GROUP OF OWNERS FO. WILL BE CHEAP ,LIIKE THE STOCK MARKET ONLY CHANGE STOCK WHEN IT FALLS. IF I WERE A PARTNER I WOULD LOVE HOW DODGERS ARE RUN.