Kenley Jansen respondes to trade rumors
BALTIMORE - Kenley Jansen has lived this life not all that long ago. The one where he hears that his time with the Red Sox is nearing an end thanks to some sort of trade.
That was the offseason and spring training. Now, it's kicking back up all over again.
The trade buzz around Jansen was born this time due to a note in Bob Nightengale's USA Today column which read, "The Boston Red Sox plan to trade All-Star veteran closer Kenley Jansen by the trade deadline. He’s earning $16 million this year and the Red Sox have no interest in bringing him back."
When asked about the report prior to the Red Sox' series opener at Camden Yards, Jansen explained that his approach to such things has evolved.
"It was way more frustrating in spring training. Now, It’s a business," he said. "The thing is, I have to worry about my guys who are here and how we can stay close and fight and win ballgames. Because at the end of the day I still believe these guys can be great. I will carry that on my shoulder and prove everybody wrong, that we can win ballgames and not be a laughingstock. We have a great team. We have a great group of guys. We just have to keep focusing on that particular part."
If the Red Sox do find themselves as sellers heading into the trade deadline, Jansen would be perceived as a logical chip. The 36-year-old is in the second year of a two-year deal that is paying him $16 million this season.
Jansen has nine saves in 10 chances, having found the command which escaped him for the first half of April. After issuing eight walks in his first six outings, he has given up just two free passes in his last 12 games.
He also has clearly taken a more active roll in acting as a clubhouse leader and sounding board for what is a very young Red Sox pitching staff.
"I’m at the point in my career where I’m the second oldest guy on this team and have the most years in the big leagues on this team," he said. "I have to spread my wisdom and help us in every single way we can win ballgames."
The reality is, however, that when it comes to these sort of trade rumors, this might just be the beginning.
"We have to stay professional," Jansen added. "I’ve got great group of young guys around here and I want to keep continuing do whatever can help. Whatever I can help with my wisdom I’m going to be here and do that and be a leader for them. I think there’s a great thing going on here. Guys are young. This team is going to be good very soon here. It’s a part of the business. So if that’s what they are thinking I can’t think about that. I just have to go out and help Boston win ballgames today. Whatever happens. So that’s where I’m standing at this moment. Go day by day. Be here. Be present. Love my teammates. Help them out with whatever I can help them out with and go out and win ballgames.
"I think at this point I’m kind of immune to them because it happened so much this offseason. I can’t think about that. I have a go out there and beat Baltimore and help my team win ballgames. That’s all I can focus on today."