Clarification of Dan Jennings' role with Miami Marlins coming soon

ATLANTA -- Dan Jennings' future role with the Miami Marlins should be determined soon.

A meeting is planned for Thursday in Miami when the Marlins have an off day and Jennings is expected to be asked to return to his role as general manger after replacing Mike Redmond as manager in May.

Jennings' time in the dugout was always likely to be short term, but the meeting with owner Jeffrey Loria, team president David Samson and president of baseball operations Michael Hill should clarify things.

Jennings, who will finish the season as manager, is expected to stay with the Marlins, but his name has also surfaced as a possible candidate to become general manager of Seattle, who recently fired Jack Zduriencik.

The Marlins are expected to make a push for an experienced manager. Don Mattingly could draw interest if he doesn't return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Larry Bowa, the Philadelphia bench coach, is another possibility.

Jennings, who took over the Marlins when they were 16-22, has 31 years of professional experience in player development. He never coached or managed at the professional level before moving into the dugout with the Marlins, though.

The Marlins, beset by injuries and disappointing performances, have been one of the biggest disappointments in the majors this season.

Miami is 55-79 even with the three-game sweep of the Braves in Atlanta that got them into third place in the National League East for the first time since May 14.

Extensive changes in the player development and scouting departments are ahead no matter who the general manager is going forward.

If Jennings doesn't return to the GM role, Michael Berger could be promoted from assistant GM to fill the spot.