The St. Joseph Flyers will have to do it with defense.

Lacking power pitchers, the Flyers will look toward their defense to make plays if they are going to have any success this season.

"Our pitchers throw strikes, but they don't overpower anyone, so we'll have to play defense," St. Joseph coach Greg Bryant said.

The lack of a strikeout pitcher doesn't dampen Bryant's outlook. He said a core of pitchers that includes Chris Laber, Danny Stack, Kyle Johnson, Steve Moore, Kurt Jordan and Jeremy Addis are all capable.

"We'll have Johnson, Stack, and Laber who can all throw strikes. Jordan and Jeremy Addis have looked decent. Steve Moore can throw strikes and will be used when needed," Bryant said. "Laber is probably our hardest thrower, but he needs to build some stamina."

When he's not pitching, Laber will play either first base or third base. Stack is expected to play shortstop when he's not pitching.

Johnson, the versatile veteran standout, will take over at third and shortstop depending on who is pitching.

"Danny Stack plays a solid game everywhere in the field, pitching and hitting. Laber plays a solid third base and he hits the ball hard all the time," Bryant said. "Kyle looks good in center field and backing up everyone in the infield."

Moore should be at first base, although he could give way to either Shawn Hacker or Laber. Johnny Joeckel, a sophomore in his first season, will be the second baseman while either Joe O'Leary, Jeremy Addis or Michael Walters will catch.

"O'Leary is hitting the ball pretty good, but he's just a sophomore and he needs some maturity," Bryant said.

"Johnny Joeckel makes the routine play and he keeps getting better. He's looked pretty good for a kid who hasn't played before. And his brother (Bart) is getting better, too."

Johnson will be in center if he's not in the infield. Jordan will be in left or center depending on who is pitching. Hacker will probably be in right field and Addis in left field.

Also getting a look in the outfield are Liam Roddy and Bart Joeckel.

"Addis will play in the outfield but could possibly move to catcher. he looks good for a freshman. He can play anywhere and he can hit the ball," Bryant said.

With only five seniors and one junior, Bryant is concerned about the lack of experience.

"We're young and inexperienced. We've got a lot of catching up to do," Bryant said.

Bryant is back coaching the Flyers after a four-year hiatus.

"I'm happy to be back," Bryant said. "The kids have had a great attitude, they come to work every day, and they like to play. I can't complain about their effort."