With the first round of provincial contracts scheduled to be offered tomorrow, cricket writer Adrian Seconi looks at what changes we might expect to see on the Otago list.
Some of the impact of tomorrow's announcement has been blunted by last week's news batsmen Anaru Kitchen and Brad Wilson have signed with Otago, little-known Auckland seamer Warren Barnes is transferring south and Neil Broom is returning after a summer with Canterbury.
Kitchen and Wilson are straight replacements for Jesse Ryder and Aaron Redmond.
Redmond retired at the end of the season and his spot at the top of the order will be filled by Wilson.
Ryder's departure was predictable. He cut a grumpy figure towards the end of the season and has signed with Central Districts for the limited-overs campaigns.
Ryder had a huge impact, whacking 1228 first-class runs at an average of 58.47.
Few have Ryder's natural ability but Kitchen is a handy replacement.
Broom's return was a bonus and someone on last year's list will have to make room for the experienced middle-order right-hander.
If Otago opts to cull a batsman to make room for Broom, then Brad Rodden or Iain Robertson shape as the most vulnerable.
Ryan Duffy has perhaps leap-frogged both following a solid rookie season, and all-rounder Josh Finnie appears to have a bright future and may be rewarded with a contract.
Veteran fast bowler James McMillan will neither be offered nor could accept a contract.
It is understood the 37-year-old is moving on with life after cricket but may still feature in the limited-over campaigns.
His spot will be absorbed by the arrival of Barnes.
Left-armer Bradley Scott was contracted last season but the 35-year-old is firmly in the twilight of his career.
He may survive as Otago's bowling depth is likely to be tested.
Fellow left-armer Craig Smith impressed when he got opportunities.
His performance warrants a contract but his teaching career may get in the way of him accepting one.
Gloveman Derek de Boorder, batsmen Michael Bracewell and Hamish Rutherford, all-rounder Sam Wells and seamer Jacob Duffy are some of the first names you would expect to see on the list.
Nick Beard was sidelined following the twenty20 campaign to concentrate on remodelling his illegal action.
He has done the remedial work and it will be interesting to see if he remains as effective with his new, legitimate action.
Sam Blakely was offered Otago's final contract spot last season and might be at the bottom of the list again.
Right-armer Michael Rae could also be an outside chance.
Seamer Tipene Friday is unlikely to feature following an injury-plagued season, and all-rounder Roald Badenhorst had a good club campaign for Albion but might be overlooked in favour of Finnie.
Up to 14 players can be contracted in the first round. Each province has 15 contracts to offer.
Otago starts ahead of the game with five players contracted to the national team.
OTAGO CRICKET 2014-15 CONTRACTS
Nick Beard, Sam Blakely, Michael Bracewell, Derek de Boorder, Jacob Duffy, Ryan Duffy, Tipene Friday, James McMillan, Aaron Redmond, Iain Robertson, Brad Rodden, Hamish Rutherford, Jesse Ryder, Bradley Scott, Sam Wells
NEW
Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Brad Wilson, Warren Barnes, Josh Finnie
THE CORE
Bracewell, de Boorder, Jacob Duffy, Rutherford, Sam Wells
RETURNING
Nick Beard, Sam Blakely, Ryan Duffy, Bradley Scott
SURPRISE RETURN?
Craig Smith
TRANSFERRED
Jesse Ryder
RETIRED
Aaron Redmond
MOVING ON WITH LIFE
James McMillan
VULNERABLE?
Iain Robertson, Brad Rodden, Tipene Friday
UNLUCKY
Roald Badenhorst, Michael Rae
CONTRACTED TO NEW ZEALAND CRICKET
Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Mark Craig, Neil Wagner, Jimmy Neesham
