As has become a hallmark of their squad in recent years, the Estevan Tower Wolves will again be infused with young players this season.
Of 16 players on the 2011 roster, only two are in their 30s - player-coach Devin Aspinall and B.J. O'Handley.
But with youth comes fresh legs and potential, and Aspinall is comfortable with the club's make-up.
"I think the biggest reason we're successful is we have a fairly strong midget program," he said.
"They're coming up and they're really keeping our depth there and bringing lots of talent and skill."
The Tower Wolves were scheduled to open the Saskota Baseball League schedule last Thursday against the Lampman Cubs, but the game was postponed.
The Wolves were set to play in Oxbow last night and will host the Wawota Pats on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Estevan has 11 returning players, but lost ace pitcher Justin Fieber, who is moving to Calgary.
The Wolves also lost veteran pitcher Brandon Barnstable as well as Tyler Scharnatta, who is undergoing shoulder surgery.
But the team has also added some top talent, including Benson native Kris Keating, who has pitched for Saskatchewan at the Baseball Canada Cup and is playing at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.
"We're excited to have him. He'll probably throw one of the hardest balls in the league from the mound and bring a little velocity," said Aspinall.
Catcher Evan Marsh and pitcher/outfielder Brad West, both imports from Ontario, are also new.
Benji and Josh Gustafson are back after missing last year with injuries, and Justin Kendall will be back on the mound after being out of town last season.
"I was worried about our pitching because we lost Fieber, but we're going to be strong in the pitching area again," said Aspinall. We have seven or eight guys who can throw."
Other returnees are first baseman and clean-up hitter Riley Panteluk, second baseman and leadoff man Jordan Fieber, pitcher Dylan Lafrentz, centre fielder and speed demon Dallas Macalalad, and utility players Jordan Blanchette and Garrett Johner.
"Our lineup is capable of producing a lot of runs if the bats are on, and we have three or four guys who have been playing a lot the last few months," said Aspinall.
"Every year we play, we know we have a team that should be at the top of the standings or close."
Provincials are Aug. 6-7 in Carlyle, meaning the Cardinals will get an automatic berth as host.
"We always have to play Carlyle, our archrival, to advance to provincials, so we won't have to play them, we'll play somebody else."
