The departure of former Florida Marlins closer Joe Borowski to the Cleveland Indians via free agency has opened a door for Vicksburg’s Taylor Tankersley as potentially the new Marlins’ closer in 2007.

Tankersley, however, said by phone from the Marlins’ spring training facility in Jupiter, Fla., that it’s just a chance to find a role on the team.

&#8220It gets me an opening to stay on a big league team,” Tankersley said. &#8220If they think I can fill that role as closer, that’s great. It’s an opportunity I would love to have.

&#8220If they want to bring me in as a lefty-on-lefty or as a set up guy like last year, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be on a big league team.”

The former Warren Central and University of Alabama standout had his debut season in the majors in 2006 as a set-up man for Borowski. Tankersley appeared in 49 games, compiling a 2-1 record with three saves. He struck out 46 batters in 41 innings and walked only 26.

He was called up to the Major Leagues in June from Double-A.

&#8220It was indescribable. It was something you’ve dreamt about since you were five years old but the dream had become a reality,” Tankersley said.

It didn’t take long for Tankersley to gain his &#8220Major League Moment.”

&#8220Third day up, I’ve got to face Todd Helton of Colorado. It’s my second appearance and we’re up a run in the eighth inning. I know I have to get Helton out,” Tankersley said.

&#8220And that was the first time I got really nervous because Todd Helton is such a prestigious hitter. But I got the job done, I struck him out. That was a big confidence boost and from that one at bat, I felt like I belonged up here.”

It was the attitude that made 2006 Florida manager Joe Girardi tell the Miami Herald that, &#8220Tank has the make-up to be a closer.’”.

Girardi was fired after the season, despite winning National League Manager of the Year honors. Freddy Gonzales will be the new Marlins’ skipper in 2007.

&#8220I thought Girardi did a great job running our club but it’s not my decision to make the rules,” Tankersley said.

Tankersley is spending his off-season training in Jupiter.

&#8220Some of the players live here, but when I go in to train, I’m pretty much on my own. Personally, I can get more out of my arm with this type of weather. That’s why I live by the complex.”

Tankersley is eagerly looking toward the 2007 season, when he feels Florida will be a contender in the National League East with the defending champion Mets and rising Phillies.

&#8220We have a chance to be a winning ball club. We have a very good club coming back and I love our chances,” Tankersley said. &#8220I know the Mets are really good and the Phillies are good, but our starting pitching is one of the best in the league. I like our staff.”