Otago has already announced one major surprise, luring punishing left-hander Jesse Ryder south from Wellington.
But there should not be too many surprises, if any, among the remaining 13 contract spots.
Otago has a very settled squad. The province is also lucky to have four of its players contracted nationally - Brendon and Nathan McCullum, Hamish Rutherford and Neil Wagner. That frees up space for a promising up-and-comer such as Blair Soper.
The rookie claimed his maiden five-wicket bag in a Plunket Shield match against Wellington last summer, picking up the wickets of Ryder and the dangerous Luke Ronchi. He finished the season with 12 wickets at an average of 36.41.
Ryder effectively takes the spot vacated by Rutherford. Darren Broom has moved back to Christchurch, while Neil Wagner replaced Jacob Oram on the New Zealand-contracted list last season and has retained his spot this year.
Those two places could be taken by Soper and Bradley Scott, who has returned to the province after a stint with Northern Districts.
All-rounder Iain Robertson and perhaps someone such as Ryan Duffy may also come into consideration if Otago feels it needs more batting cover.
The rest of the crew are all familiar. Derek de Boorder captained the side last season and there is no reason to believe he will be relieved of that duty this summer.
He should be joined by an experienced core of Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Aaron Redmond and James McMillan.
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham is a player on the rise and spinner Nick Beard was outstanding in the twenty/20 campaign and surprised everyone with a remarkable innings of 188 when he came in as a nightwatchman in a first-class game against Auckland.
Pace bowler Jacob Duffy performed well during the HRV Cup and has a bright future. Batsman Michael Bracewell finally converted a 90 into a century with a massive innings of 190. He played some sparkling shots that day.
All-rounders Mark Craig and Sam Wells should round out what looks to be a formidable squad.
Otago Volts
Possible contracts for 2013-14
Nick Beard, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Mark Craig, Derek de Boorder (captain), Jacob Duffy, James McMillan, Jimmy Neesham, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder, Bradley Scott, Blair Soper, Sam Wells.
