IP 118
ERA 4.576
WHIP 1.517
BB/9 5.339
SO/9 8.771
  • Full name Taylor M. Tankersley
  • Born 03/07/1983 in Vicksburg, MS
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Alabama
  • Debut 06/03/2006
  • Drafted in the 1st round (27th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2004 (signed for $1,300,000).
    View Draft Report
    Tankersley has a long track record for scouts, and his plus stuff and success on the mound should mean he'll go no later than the sandwich round. Drafted out of high school by the Royals, Tankersley tied Alabama's record for wins by a freshman (eight) despite pitching primarily in relief. He struggled as a sophomore with a painful cyst on his left wrist, but picked up again in a relief role down the stretch, helping Alabama win its second straight SEC tournament. His success in the bullpen has made him hard to scout. The Crimson Tide often holds him as a reliever for Friday and Saturday, and he starts Sundays if he hasn't been used. He has thrived in the role, and has cleaned up his mechanics, driving through the catcher instead of falling off to the side. His sturdy 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame and strong lower half help him pump fastballs regularly in the 88-92 mph range with average life; he can run it up to 94 and maintains his velocity well. He's aggressive with the pitch, attacking hitters inside and making them prove they can hit it. Tankersley's breaking ball, a power slider, plays average, and he's shown a feel for a changeup in a starting role. He ranked among the NCAA's ERA leaders, at 1.64 in 64 innings, as Alabama's disappointing season neared its end.

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