Is Tayron Guerrero in line to win closer’s role for Marlins

With the work reliever Tayron Guerrero has been putting in for the Miami Marlins, does he have a future as the team’s closer?

I have been talking about this for some time. Now, it may come to fruition. After watch Tayron Guerrero pitch the past two seasons in a Miami Marlins uniform, is it time to give the big man a shot at the full-time closer’s role?

Even though the team went into Spring Training with both Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley as the favorites to win the position, Guerrero was still talked about as a darkhorse contender.

Now, he showing improvement on the mound and continued heat from an overpowering fastball.

"“The blazing four-seam fastball ticked up a notch for Tayron Guerrero in the Marlins’ 4-0 loss to the Braves on Friday night,” wrote Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.More from Marlins NewsMiami Marlins are pursuing Michael ConfortoMiami Marlins need to spend to winMiami Marlins can’t afford to botch this tradeMiami Marlins news: the New York Mets are a risky threatMiami Marlins keep missing out on stars“In all, 11 pitches touched at least 100 mph, and the rangy right-hander sprinkled in a slider or two to keep hitters honest.”"

Not only is the fastball intimidating to Major League hitters, it’s his imposing size that also catches everyone’s attention. At 6-foot-8 and 210 pounds, he is a physical specimen 60-feet, 6-inches from home plate.

I had a chance to see Guerrero in action as a member of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Miami’s Double-A affiliate. His heat was as solid as any pitcher on the roster and as dominant as any reliever in the Southern League.

In 2016, the San Diego Padres traded Guerrero, Andrew Cashner, Colin Rea, and cash considerations to the Marlins for Josh Naylor, Jarred Cosart, Carter Capps, and Luis Castillo. So far, Guerrero appears to be the best player from this deal.

Because the Marlins have not stuck with one closer specialist and are looking for the best matchups in relief, the team could still make Guerrero their “guy” this season.

Guerrero had only three appearances this year before Friday against the Braves where he reached 100 mph. In the series opener, added Frisaro, he topped at 101.7 mph and had a stretch of seven straight pitches at 100 mph or higher.

"“I think there were sections of time last year where his stuff was just like that,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He is using his slider more. His slider has gotten better. We think that’s going to be a key for him to have that, to keep guys off his fastball. Because as the season gets going, guys are going to get on his fastball.”"

If the Marlins are going to help their young pitching rotation, the bullpen must remain consistent. At some point, a closer must emerge. Guerrero may be the best option now that becomes the best option of the future.