After finishing in 9th place at the prestigious NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas, last August, Seattle Studs manager Barry Aden is looking forward to the 2008 season. With the return of key veterans, and the addition of new, young talent, Aden hopes to earn his way back to Wichita, but believes that this will be a tough year for his team.

"In order for us to return to the NBC for a 7th straight time as a Pacific International League representative, we will have to maintain our exceptional level of play from previous years, or even surpass it."

Because of their unprecedented string of berths to the NBC, opposing teams will be ready for the Studs, and Aden believes his team will be challenged in every game this year. We have noticed that teams don't take any days off against us anymore, and we have to be prepared to face their best every game.

With games being played from California to Kelowna, B.C. and Tacoma to Lewiston, Idaho, the Studs will have the opportunity to prove their mettle all over the Northwest.

"I like our diverse schedule this year. We get a chance to travel a lot and that is always a great way for a team to come together and learn to rely on their teammates and get along with each other."

The Studs will be anchored by young veterans like OF Nate Baker, SS Derek Jennings and hard-throwing right-hander Ryan Woods, and with grizzled veterans Chad Dias, Shawn Lindsey and Joe Strong expected back to provide leadership, the Studs should be a veteran dominated team again. Though Seattle will return its usual veteran players, Aden is really excited about some of the younger talent that will join the team this year.

2nd year player Cade Thompson has signed an early letter of intent to the University of Nebraska for next year.

"Cade started off slowly last year because it was his first real experience with wood bats, and there is always an adjustment period for that. But once he got his repetitions and at-bats in, he started to tear the cover off the ball. I expect him to take up where he left off last year."

Other new members to the roster are highly touted outfielder Brandon Kuykendall 2007 West Coast Collegiate Baseball League MVP and corner man Josh Kalalau from Treasure Valley CC. With the mix of old and new, Aden hopes that his team can gel quickly and get off to a good start, which is always the key in a short season league.

"We have been fortunate enough to start quickly the last several years, and that has been a tremendous help. Most teams find their stride about July or so, and it is a big bonus to have a little cushion to work with when the other teams start to come together."

The Studs hope this mixture of old and new is the formula that will send them to the NBC for a 7th season and be the springboard to a continuation of their recent success.