Marlins' roster expansion approaching

PHOENIX -- The calendar is quickly pushing toward Sept. 1, a significant date in Major League Baseball because all teams can expand their rosters to 40 players.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said internal discussions are already underway, but the exact number of players who will be brought up remains unclear. It could be six or seven, Gonzalez roughly estimates.

There is no obligation to make all your callups on Sept. 1, as teams can tack on throughout the month. Players, though, that are promoted must first be added to the 40-man roster, which makes it a little more tricky for certain players in some cases.

Another consideration is the Minor League playoffs. Double-A Carolina will be in Southern League postseason action, so a few of those players may join the Marlins once the Mudcats' season concludes.

One area the Marlins likely won't need assistance in is catching, as they are already carrying three behind the plate in John Baker, Paul Lo Duca and Matt Treanor.

Most likely infielder Robert Andino, who already has been with the Marlins a substantial portion of the season, projects to be called up from Triple-A Albuquerque -- filling a middle-infield depth need.

Lefty reliever Taylor Tankersley, at Albuquerque, also could be added. It's unclear as to the Marlins' intentions regarding reliever Justin Miller, a right-hander now with the Isotopes. Rick VandenHurk, at Double-A, could be another arm to help out in the final month.

While Miller took on a number of roles with the Marlins this season, the veteran isn't on the 40-man roster, so he'd have to be added before getting the call.

Some players currently on the 40-man roster in line to be recalled are third baseman Dallas McPherson, who has belted 40 homers and driven in 91 runs at Triple-A, and Double-A center fielder Cameron Maybin, who at age 21 is still regarded as the Marlins' center fielder of the future.

As for promoting some young pitchers, a number of them, like Ryan Tucker, have now completed long seasons. The Marlins may opt to shut them down, rather than extend them another few weeks or a month.