October 25th, 2020 at 10:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka During his daily pre-game Zoom media session on Saturday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked a very direct question; one that was forefront on the minds of every Dodger fan on the planet, and one that has clearly been avoided by members of the media for a rather obvious reason – it was a very sore subject for the Dodger skipper: Kenley Jansen and his role for the duration of the 2020 World Series.
Question: “With Kenley, he hit 95 [with his cut fastball] a few times [in Game-3 of the 2020 World Series on Friday night]. Do you think that [low] velocity is stress or a mechanical issue?
Answer: “I think he certainly cleaned up his delivery, I know he was fired-up to get back in the game – it was five days in a game, it was five days – it was really good. I thought it was a positive outing.”
Question (by someone else): “I was going to ask you about Kenley, too; to compare your reaction. That 92 and 86 against the Brewers and when you saw a couple of 95’s last night.”
Answer: “That was welcomed to see. The 86, or whatever it was, checked me up, it really did. It was good to hear that it wasn’t physical, it was kind of delivery that resonated with me.
“Kenley’s worked so hard to get back and being open to different spots as far as leverage, kind of get back. But that last night, and granted, he gave up the homer last night, but I thought the body of work last night was as good as he’s had in my recent memory.”
Follow-up Question: “Has he pitched his way back into that closing role, or…?”
Answer: “You know what? I think it’s just… he’s back into high leverage, the highest of leverage, and I just think that… I just don’t want to kind of put him in a corner or in a box. I think it’s best for all of us that, you know, you just have the option to deploy him whenever you want, and kind of… I think it’s a good thing not only for himself but also for his teammates – the guys in the pen – to give them the best run, so we’ll see.”
Not only was this a non-answer from the man often referred to as ‘The Spin Doctor,’ it completely avoided the issue.
And we did see.
(Video capture courtesy of Fox Sports)
Nine hours later, Jansen blew the biggest save of his professional career on the biggest stage possible … again – Game-4 of the 2020 World Series – to turn what should have now been a three-games-to-one series lead into a 2-2 tied series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
(Photo credit – Tony Gutierrez)
Oh sure, one can – and should – certainly argue that the absolutely unacceptable Little-League-ish errors by utility outfielder/infielder Chris Taylor AND catcher Will Smith (on the same play, no less) were the real reason why the Dodgers yanked defeat from the jaws of victory. But the cold, hard truth is that Jansen – in the “so we’ll see” closer role – walked Rays superstar outfielder and likely AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena (serving as Tampa Bay’s designated hitter), who would come around to score the walk-off winning run. Jansen also gave up a single to Rays centerfielder Kevin Keirmaier and the game-winning base hit to Rays right fielder Brett Phillips in his MLB record-setting fourth World Series blown save.
But wait… there’s more.
During his postgame Zoom press conference, Jansen, as he has in the past, refused to own up to the fact that it was his ineptitude in arguably the singlemost important role as a reliever, was the reason why his team lost.
“You just can’t beat yourself [up] on that,” Jansen said, clearly hoping for a little sympathy. “I just totally broke Kiermaier’s bat, and Phillips another grenade single.
“We’ve got to stay positive. Ain’t no time to hang our heads or anything like that,” Jansen added.
Sorry, Kenley. You very much need to hang your head on this one.
…as does ‘The Spin Doctor.’
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Posted in 
Yes Kenley was the pitcher, but in my humble opinion the blame for this loss goes squarely on Will Smith. Not for the play at the plate (shit happens ), but for the pitch selection. On Brett Phillips at bat, Kenley had just thrown him an outside corner slider, that was missed by a mile. Ahead on the count another outside pitch (even further off the plate was warranted, but Will smith called for the cutter and setup middle in. Kenley’s pitch was right at the glove and hit into right field. It should never have been thrown. The Baez pitch to Lowe was also a horrible pitch selection by Smith. I love his bat, but it is Smith who cost us this game. Kenley pitched IMO a perfect inning, albeit unlucky.
Steve
Are you sure Will is calling pitches and they dont come from the dugout? Also did you see Henley shake him iff constantly? Henley looks like a bobblehead
Steve. While your point has a bit of validity…..namely…Smith is not as good a signal caller as Barnes. I was surprised Bar was wasn’t brought in for the 9th to catch Kanley….you can CLEARLY SEE on that last pitch Will has his glove target high, meaning he wants the cutter inner high in the zone. Kanley missed it by a whole foot….as the ball came in knee high, and it was about an inch in, meaning it had enough of the middle for Phillips to get reasonable wood on it. I think the botched relay was a case of Will “feeling” the runner was closer so he thought he had to go to a swipe tag. Still, that was inexcusable.
The bottom line is that the game was lost by Robert’s mismanagement throughout the entire game. I thought he mismanaged Game 2 as well but you can argue that was a collective decision due to the lack of confidence in sticking with Tony G or May.
There is no doubt that should we fail to win the series, Robert’s has to be relieved, there would be simply too much baggage and collective concern from the staff, players and fans to accept is that ends up being then end result.
Jansen is a veteran, if he doesn’t want to throw a certain pitch, he would shake off Smith and should. So , the fault shouldn’t fall strictly on Smith. This is on Jansen, he hasn’t really done the job the last two years.
Jansen blows yet another big save setting the record for most blown saves in World Series history, and it’s the catcher’s fault? You’re wrong, clearly, but you’re assessment is also wrong. The pitch did not hit it’s target, it hung and went middle instead of high. Let’s not forget Jansen showing his laziness again by not backing up home plate on the final play. Then he blows it off afterward, sorry, the guy has to go and better not be asked to close again. Jansen could’ve cost the Dodgers the Series last night, smh
Dude…dude did you just read the stats?!! Plain and simple. HE WALKED A BATTER AND WHETHER THEY ARE BAT BREAKING SINGLES…it’s still a single…wait….gave up 2 singles! AND THEN THE LAST THIRD BASE HIT WAS HIT HARD!!! You have Dave Roberts Delusion also. Not sure what game you are truly watching. KENLEY JENSEN BLEW THE SAVE…AGAIn…PERIOD! Just like all the other ones in the past when IT MEANS SOMETHING. All coming from the helm of the DR decision making. Just disgusting.
My issue isn’t wth the pitch selection or even the pitching itself. Kenley dropped to his knees after that phillips hit. He did not go back up Smith like he should have and instead pouted and gave up. You always back up the catcher on a play home, that’s on kenley and no one else, this is the 2nd game they lost b/c of his incompetence to do what is taught in little league. And Biaz shook Smith off 3x, Biaz was told to throw a change up which to lowe which he struggles with and Biaz shook it off for a fastball that ended up in the seats..2x!
Wow I guess, he’s been a closer seemingly forever. I guess he doesn’t shake a pitch off if he feels it’s bad.
Your kidding by saying that was a perfect pitch – right? The pitch was a hanging slider at 89mph down the middle of the plate – a horrible pitch with 2 strikes.
Jansen and Roberts are the ones to blame for the loss. Roberts should have left Graterol in. Jansen has been below average the last 2+ seasons and I hope they release him after the season. He’s washed up and doesn’t care because he got his money. Roberts shouldn’t put him back out there for the rest of the series unless forced to because of circumstances. If we lose this series, Roberts needs to go!
Even if we win Robert’s need to go
Jansen has blown so many crucial games walks and home runs any good hitter just waits for the cutter.Roberts should be fired he blew last year’s world series pulling pitchers he loves his bro pitchers Baez and Jansen they gave up 5 runs last night enough
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I’ve seen many, many horrible losses in my 65 years as a Dodger fan,and this one is right up there! Roberts is one of the worst in game managers, we have ever had!!! I always say we win despite him!!! If it’s a close game, leave it to him to blow it!!! How can you leave Baez in to blow the lead twice? Kenley is running out of chances to close!!! Another WS blown save!!! Urias could have closed out the fifth and Treinen shouldhave started the 6th fresh! One more out would have made the difference in the game! I know it’s second guessing, but ‘my tired of Roberts bad decisions!!! I hope we can bounce back and win tonight and I hope it’s not a close game and don’t have to rely on Dave’so decisions or Kenley!!!
LET’S GO DODGERS!!!
Yes. I mean DAM! Leave Graterol in the game. Dude was hitting 100 miles. Nasty. I blame Roberts and CJ. I feel so BAD for the players and Dodger Nation. This was our game. Fire Roberts and kick CJ out to the streets
Say what you want guys…Roberts can’t help but revert back to form…he and the other coaches are responsible for the loss and in-game mismanagement and if we don’t win the series HE HAS TO BE FIRED.
That was disgraceful and Kenley’s reaction? Two hits and a walk like that is ok? Admit it Kenley, you failed in the biggest save of your career…it’s over for you.
Time and time again Kenley has show that he is not longer a reliable source, but Roberts keeps making mistake after mistake, Dodgers manager has no idea on how to manage his pitching staff. but also believe that Smith does not have the know how to make the pich selection, and he is not good behind the plate
To make a long story short we don’t have a manager, closer and catcher behind the plate
Time and time again Kenley has show that he is not longer a reliable source, but Roberts keeps making mistake after mistake, Dodgers manager has no idea on how to manage his pitching staff. but also believe that Smith does not have the know how to make the pitch selection, and he is not good behind the plate
To make a long story short we don’t have a manager, closer and catcher behind the plate
I’m going to need counseling after this series.
Amazing that nobody’s mentioned Pedro Baez’s name… after all, he and Jansen got a twin billing in blown saves for this one. Had Baez shown up, we’d not be having this conversation.
All that could have gone wrong in the bottom of the 9th for the Dodgers did go wrong.
The HOROR! Having to endure another season watching replays of Kirk Gibson’s 1988 Game 1 homer as a fans’ only link to a “recent” Dodgers World Series championship makes me sick to my stomach.
The abomination that was last night has the potential to carry-over to this evening’s game. Gut check time for the Boys in Blue.
Who the hell is Brett Phillips?
I’ve followed the Dodgers since came here and never have witnessed what I did last night. Yes, I’ve lost games but never because of stupid mistakes like Roger’s has made over this series. Well he change? It’s time for a hange.
I am not a Dodger fan but to take this attitude about Jansen is disgraceful. People are so damn fickle and stupid. Not a single ball hit by the Ray on the 9th was hard hit…and the walk was the result of a careful approach to the hottest hitter on baseball. This writer is a shit to claim Jansen should hang his head in shame. What a jerk! Go Rays. Send Jansen to the Braves. We will take him.
You are 100% correct, Jackson Raley. This writer is a shit.
By the way, we do not allow profanity, politics, or porn on this site because we have quite a few young readers and lady readers who frequent the site. But in your case, I will not delete it so that everyone can see who the real shit is.
And by all means, PLEASE take Jansen back to Atlanta with you. He becomes a free agent after the 2021 season … unless he is DFA’d before then. The Dodgers have far too many young and extremely talented arms to keep a guy whose best pitch can’t crack 94.
Have a great day, Jackson Raley.
Raley’s ignorance is simply low-hanging fruit, Ron. Thank you for all you do… you poo poo! 🙂
@Dodgers Not a fan of big closet contracts
FIRST OFF TAKING OUT GRATEROL WAS A HORRIBLE MISTAKE. YOU LEAVE HIM IN AND START THE 9th WITH HIM. YOU SEE HOW THE FIRST BATTER GOES N THEN GO FROM THERE. JANSEN CLEARLY HAS LOST HIS CONFIDENCE IN HIS PITCHES. HE LOOKS VERY HESITANT TO THROW CERTAIN STUFF. AS FOR BLAMING SMITH THATS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. AS A PITCHER U HAVE THE FINAL SAY AS TO WHAT U WANNA THROW. ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS SHAKE SMITH OFF. WITH 2 STRIKES THAT PITCH IS TO NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE PLATE. SO THATS ON KENSLY. ROBERTS SHOWED US ALL ONCE AGAIN WHY HES NOT A GOOD MANAGER. BARNES IN FOR SMITH AND BETTS INTO CENTER. HE GOT OUT MANAGED AGAIN.
Jansen is scheduled to make around 20M next year. Roberts needs to lean on Graterol or Treinan. They are the future closers in waiting
Game 4 loss should fall on Doc Roberts for bringing in Pedro Baez. He’s terrible with runners on base, no movement on his fastball, served up the homerun ball which started the unraveling. Then Doc starts him the next inning and he gives up the homerun which tied the game at 6. Where was Kelly, or Graterol ? Dont know why he’s even on the roster. Should never be pitching in a close game, especially in the WS. He’ll burn you most of yhe time
Dave continues to let some of these veterans make the decisions. Regardless of situation, he doesn’t manage! Why does he continue to bring in Baez, which always blows the lead year after year. Jansen is sorry and Robert’s continues to give him opportunities. Dodgers should have already won the WS 2 games ago, but continues to allow the Ray’s to hang around. I agree with the person earlier regarding Robert’s being fired regardless of the outcome. Dodgers have spent the $$, have the farm system, chemistry, etc…but need new manager. A high school coach would do better with all this talent
Mark Prior what’s his job he should be saying something to Dave Roberts
man I don’t know too much about major league baseball, but what I do know is team work, I’ve played sports for a very long time and I can see it clear as day. Kenley had 2 strikes then pitched a ball that a professional baseball player hit (isn’t he suppose to be good at hitting).
And he He barely hit it, the pitcher should expect to be backed up which he wasn’t, the ball was never secure with the catches in throws the biggest errors was on the outfield to the infield. But why are we just looking at the pitcher because he didn’t close it? Shit happens people will hit the ball which is my opinion. I just had to comment because I’m getting sick of seeing how kenley sick because he didn’t close it, this a team ever period.
Doesn’t anyone remember last time the Dodgers were in the world series and winning with woods pitching and Roberts pulled him for no reason.Roberts couldn’t coach little league.
I think Robert don’t know anything about pitchers Urias was doing a great job pitching took him out brought in baes and Jensen blew up the game I think he don’t like Mexican he has racist on him