Dennis Tankersley

A top prospect in the San Diego system, Tankersley pitched his way out of the Padres’ future and was traded with Terrence Long for Darrell May and Ryan Bukvich in November 2004. Tankersley showed improved control in his nine games in the majors in 2004, something he’ll need to continue to earn a stint with the Royals. He’s only 26. A change in scenery, a return home – he’s from Missouri – and improved control may be a perfect combination to bring out Tankersley’s promise.

Tankersley was considered a steal when he screamed up the prospect lists after being acquired from the Red Sox, for no less than Ed Sprague, in 2000. The subsequent season he demolished Double-A, but has never repeated that success at Triple-A, and has been ripped apart by the big leaguers in brief appearances. Prospect has now turned suspect in large part because he's erratic, and goes from high-to-low on a pitch-by-pitch basis. The mid-90's stuff includes a filthy slider but he needs to show more control, bear down against lefties, and gain some consistency with his mechanics. He'll turn 25 before the 2004 season begins and needs to impress at Triple-A Portland quickly or risk falling from grace for eternity.

The Tank struggled mightily in his first big league call-up. He was hit rather hard and at times pitched erratically, allowing 40 BBs against 39 Ks, but this kid will be fine. With a good spring, Tankersley will start the year out of the pen. An excellent spring might get him pencilled into the rotation, as that’s where he should be for years to come.