RAPID CITY - Entering his fourth year leading Post 320, head coach Jim Brandt believes his 2008 baseball team has a chance to be one of his best - if the stars align.

Brandt has experience returning to the diamond at many positions, but it will be a few weeks before he has a full compliment of his players. Several key players in the Stars' lineup are participating in other spring sports leaving Post 320 somewhat shorthanded likely until June.

"There are a few high school youngsters that aren't quite sure what they will do after the high school season, and we want them thinking about that season right now," Brandt said. "If things break right and they come back, we could have nine or 10 excellent, experienced ballplayers.

"This team has the ability to be comparable to the team we had four years ago, which was one of our more successful teams."

The Stars are looking to improve on a 35-32 campaign from a season ago when they take to Pete Lien Field for the first time Saturday.

The Stars currently have just 19 of the 40 players they are expecting to put on the jersey this season because of other sports commitments. Brandt is glad to have so many multi-sport athletes on his roster, but he also knows it will take a little more time for his team to gel.

Post 320 will have experience nearly everywhere on the field except where Brandt would really like to see it. The team will have to settle on a catcher from a large group of candidates, while the pitching staff will need time to develop this season.

"This first weekend could be a challenge because of the weather, and everyone has had to deal with the weather, but we just want our pitchers to get the ball over the plate and give us a chance against Casper," Brandt said.

Gone from last year's team are key players George Ceremuga, Chris Kirkeby, Corey Feickert and Levi Merchen.

Post 320 will lean on its two college players in Chris Lindemann and Kyle Starkey, who are back after playing at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn. this past year.

Other players that could be looked to for contributions this season are Chris Bingham, C; Spenser Braun, P/IF; Adam Carroll, P/IF; Zach Cimburek, P/IF; Aaron Corbett, P/C/OF; Nathan Jacobson, SS; Tyler Jones, C; Tyler Oberlander, C/OF; Garret Sletten, IF; and Brad Winkelman, P/OF.

Brandt has been impressed with the potential his team has shown in practice with the bat.

"We have had several boys who have hit the ball out of here like it is a cracker box," he said.

The Stars will rely on their offense early as the pitching staff gets its feet under it.

Post 320's schedule begins with a doubleheader with Casper, Wyo. Saturday, and by the time the season concludes in 10 weeks Brandt is hoping to get in 60 games.

Brandt is assisted by Mick Mitzel and Mitch Johnson on the varsity level, Zane Roduner and Troy Thielen will coach the Rising Stars team and Tom Johnson will lead the Shooting Stars.