Meet the September Callups

Welcome back, now can we please keep Emilio Bonifacio out of the outfield?

Last night, the Marlins recalled Cameron Maybin from Triple-A New Orleans and DFA'd Luis Ayala (so much for that experiment). By making the move before September 1, the Marlins can add Maybin to the postseason roster if they make the playoffs (which is technically still possible). Today begins the first round of September callups, who are listed below. I'll update this post with names and commentary as more callups are announced.

The First Wave
Burke Badenhop, P
Rick VandenHurk, P
Brett Hayes, C

We already know plenty about Badenhop and Henricus, as they have both spent some time with the big club this year. Since the Marlins missed out on the Brad Penny derby, VandenHurk will likely get a start on Wednesday against Atlanta. With Volstad being sent down to the minors and the rest of the staff struggling, one would hope these two could contribute some quality starts and/or effective long relief if needed, but that may be asking too much (there's a reason they weren't on the 25-man roster...). Hayes seems merely a seat-filler at this point, he may get a start here and there to give Paulino and Baker a rest, but both seem well-rested due to their platoon situation.

More Callups
Andy Gonzalez, SS
Andrew Miller, LHP
Chris Volstad, RHP
Gaby Sanchez, 1B

Gonzalez becomes the de facto backup shortstop, since the only other option is Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins recalled Miller from Triple-A. He will probably be used in long relief situations, though he could get a spot start in an emergency. Volstad will probably be used the same way. As for Sanchez, it's probably the bench for him.

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Chris Volstad Just Wanted To Get This Series Over With

Chris Volstad could not bear the embarrassment of being swept by the Giants

Has anyone else noticed that Chris Volstad looks like he is fighting back tears when he throws a pitch? Go ahead and check out a Google image search, he makes the same face every time. So from now on, I dub Chris Mr. Strong Men Also Cry. He also has this squinty thing going on with his right eye. It's a little weird. Can't argue with the results, though. Volstad shut out the Giants today, going all nine innings, scattering five hits while striking out six and walking none on 105 pitches. It was the first complete game shutout by a Marlins pitcher this year, helping the Fish avoid a sweep by the Bay.

In other news, Hanley Ramirez sat out for the fourth straight game and the Marlins called up infielder Andy Gonzalez from Triple-A, but Fredi Gonzalez says Hanley is totally not going on the DL and we should NOT panic. But I'm totally panicing, and there's nothing Fredi can do to stop me besides putting Hanley back in the starting lineup. I WANT MY HANLEY BACK!! Fredi says Hanley will play at least twice in Arizona this weekend. If he doesn't, I will FREAK OUT. Get better Hanley. We I need you.


AP Photo/George Nikitin via Team Rodent

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