Originally Posted by MLB.com

JUPITER, Fla. -- Spring performances will ultimately determine how the Marlins bullpen shakes down.

One thing Taylor Tankersley feels strongly about is that roles will evolve throughout the season.

"I do believe our bullpen will shift throughout the season, and it might not even get set until halfway through the season," Tankersley said. "That might also include the closer spot. However we start, and whatever adjustments we make, if it helps us win, that's great. We'll just see how it shakes down."

Tankersley, a versatile lefty, is well aware change is inevitable in building bullpens.

A year ago he was in big-league camp, but he opened the season at Double-A Carolina. By early June, he emerged at the big-league level and became the primary eighth-inning setup man.

Tankersley, who turns 24 in March, is in the mix for the closer spot. He appeared in 49 games with Florida last year, and was 2-1 with a 2.85 ERA. He struck out 46 in 41 innings, walking 26.

A couple of other closer frontrunners are Kevin Gregg, Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez and pitching coach Rick Kranitz have opened the competition and are in the evaluation process. The team hopes to have a closer in place by March 20.

Regardless of where the parts to fit together, Tankersley maintains that the Marlins have talented reliever candidates.

"The arms are here," he said. "The pieces to the bullpen are here. Where those pieces fit together, nobody knows. I don't even think Fredi and Kranny know right now. But they will, and we will. The roles will be filled, and we will get people out and do our job. As a group and as individuals, we will be successful."