SB Nation - Taylor Tankersley

Tankersley Ready to Go

GameFish — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:31:59 -0000

Taylor Tankersley is mending nicely after elbow surgery, and should be ready to compete for a spot in the bullpen come February:

The 26-year-old had screws inserted into his left elbow on April 17 to repair a stress fracture in his throwing arm. The procedure was performed in Fort Worth, Texas, by Dr. John Conway.

By the end of July, Tankersley was cleared to begin throwing. Since then, he's built up to tossing off a mound at the Marlins complex in Jupiter, Fla.

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"I'll be ready for Spring Training," said the former University of Alabama lefty, who last pitched in the big leagues in 2008. "I've listened to the doctors and the trainers. I took their approach to get back. My arm is solid now. I threw bullpens leading up to Thanksgiving.

"I threw a month's worth of bullpens with no setbacks. They went well. I was throwing all my pitches there at the end. My arm is fine and well. I'm excited. Come Feb. 20, I'll be ready to go."

With the Marlins looking to deal Renyel Pinto, they could use a healthy Taylor Tankersley in the bullpen next season. That is, provided they get the '06 version of the Tank, and not the 2008 version.

Taylor Tankersley to have elbow surgery

craig — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:54:34 -0000

Nothing was quite right with Taylor Tankersley during spring training and now we know why.

Taylor Tankersley, Florida's first-round pick in 2004 who was optioned to Triple-A
New Orleans in Spring Training, is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left elbow on Friday.

The Marlins on Wednesday morning confirmed the procedure will be performed by Dr. John Conway in Fort Worth, Texas. Conway, formerly a physician for the Rangers, is a leading specialist for these types of procedures. Most likely, the left-handed reliever will have a couple of screws inserted in his elbow.

The exact recovery time won't be known until after the surgery. Best case scenario appears that he could begin throwing in about six weeks. If it is more serious, it could be season threatening.

Naturally, we are wishing Tank all the best.

Taylor Tankersley optioned to Triple-A

craig — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:52:51 -0000

Taylor Tankersley is New Orleans bound.

The Marlins optioned reliever Taylor Tankersley after the left-hander had another poor outing, allowing four earned runs while recording only one out against the Houston Astros.

"We've got to get him fixed," said manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Tankerlsey, who has given up 15 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings (20.25 ERA) this spring, was optioned to Triple A New Orleans.

Tankersley has skills but somewhere along the line has lost confidence in his abilities.

For my money, that probably means that Renyel Pinto and Dan Meyer will be the left-handers in the bullpen. While John Koronka's name is being mention, and if the Marlins go with three left-handers he could stick. However, should the Marlins go with two, Koronka has options whereas Meyer does not. Also you have to consider that in the past Meyer has the better starting stats of the two, in case a long left-handed reliever is needed.

Taylor Tankersley looking to rebound

craig — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:11:45 -0000

Taylor Tankersley had a horrible 2008 season and is looking to recapture his old form this season.

...it was downhill from there for Tankersley, who was sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque three times and ended with a 0-1 record and 8.15 ERA in 25 appearances for the Marlins.

"Last year was a little bit of a mystery. The effort, concentration and preparation were there but the stuff coming out of my hand wasn't electric," said Tankersley, a left-hander who was the Marlins' first-round pick in 2004.

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"We just want to see the old Tank we saw in 2006 and parts of 2007," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said Sunday at Roger Dean Stadium. "He needs the consistency he didn't have last year for the majority of the season."

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The Marlins will likely keep two left-handed relievers, and Renyel Pinto likely has one of those spots, with Tankersley, Dan Meyer and Zachary Kroenke in the mix for the final spot.

I disagree with the final statement that the Marlins will likely keep only two left-handed relievers. I think they will keep three in the pen. One long reliever/spot starter and two situational lefty relievers.

The long reliever spot will go to Dan Meyer, one of the situational lefty slots belongs to Reynel Pinto and the final one is up for grabs.

The spot is Tankersley to lose but if he falters in spring training it will leave the door open for rule five draft pick Zach Kroenke.

Taylor has options left so the club won't hesitate to send him down if he doesn't perform.

It is all up to Tankersley whether he makes the club or not.