Kenley Jansen, the former closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is still grappling with a headline from six years ago. Back in 2018, Jansen faced criticism after blowing a save against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which followed another disappointing performance just days earlier.
After that game, a reporter asked him if his struggles were due to mechanical issues, noting that his cutter's speed had dropped significantly. Jansen dismissed the inquiry, expressing indifference to the situation.
Recently, during a podcast discussion about player-media relationships, Jansen reflected on that moment, suggesting that the media twisted his words to create a negative narrative. He feels that the headline from that day has lingered, affecting how fans perceive him.
However, the coverage of that incident didn't focus on his dismissive comment. The largest local newspaper didn't even use his words in the headline, instead highlighting concerns about his pitching velocity. Other outlets barely mentioned his response, with only one publication prominently featuring his remark.
Jansen's reaction to the media's portrayal of him seems to stem from a deeper frustration about his performance at that time. His reluctance to acknowledge the impact of his struggles on the team, particularly after a strong outing from teammate Alex Wood, may have contributed to the perception that he was out of touch.
If Jansen had approached the situation differently, he might not still be reflecting on it years later.
