Fastball

Former New York Mets Legend Discusses Boston Red Sox Closer Getting 400 Saves

Boston Red Sox reliever Kenley Jansen recorded his 400th career save this week and fellow 400-save club member John Franco discussed the accomplishment on MLB Network Radio.
Brady Farkas|
Former New York Mets Legend Discusses Boston Red Sox Closer Getting 400 Saves
Former New York Mets Legend Discusses Boston Red Sox Closer Getting 400 Saves

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Boston Red SoxNew York Mets

Earlier this week, Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen became the seventh member of the 400 save club when the Red Sox beat the Braves.

It's a remarkable accomplishment for Jansen, who began his career as a catcher in the Dodgers organization. In fact, Jansen actually caught for the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Fellow 400-save club member John Franco joined MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday and discussed Jansen's accomplishment -- and his future.

You can listen to the full comments below but a partial transcript is here:

"You've got to be mentally strong. I always compare the short reliever to a field goal kicker. Nobody says anything when you've saved 15 in a row, but they always remember the one that you blow....Kenley is a new member and I know he's had some doubters along the way the last couple of years, but he believed in himself and keeps going strong.... I don't see why he can't continue to be successful the way he has been."

For his career, in addition to the 400 saves, he's 43-28 with a 2.43 ERA.

Jansen looks rejuvenated in Boston this year. His velocity at the end of the historic game was 99 mph.

As for Franco, he's a legend as well. The 62-year-old pitched 21 years in the major leagues with the Reds, Mets, and Astros. He's known most for his work with the Mets, where he spent 14 years.

He finished with 424 career saves.

The Red Sox will play the Cardinals tonight at Fenway Park at 7:10 p.m. ET.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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