Under new ownership, with a new manager and a collection of new players, the Butler BlueSox are preparing for their third Prospect League baseball season.

The team had its first official workout Monday at Pullman Park. The season opener is at 6:35 p.m. Thursday at Pullman, against the West Virginia Miners.

“The sweat is dripping and we’re ready to go to work,” first-year BlueSox manager Anthony Rebyanski said. “We’ve got a group of guys here willing to mesh together and help each other. That’s a good sign right away.

“How quickly you come together as a team is one of the key elements in these summer collegiate leagues.”

The BlueSox are looking for their first playoff appearance this summer. The Prospect League has realigned this year, with six teams in the East Division and eight in the West.

The BlueSox, Miners, Slippery Rock Sliders, Chillicothe Paints, Richmond River Rats and Lorain County Ironmen comprise the East Division.

Playing in the West are the Dekalb County Liners, Hannibal Cavemen, Quincy Gems, Terre Haute Rex, Danville Dans, Dubois County Bombers, Nashville Outlaws and Springfield Sliders.

“The only way you can tell what other teams have is by doing your homework,” Rebyanski said. “I’ve been on their websites, looking at the rosters, but some of the finalized rosters aren’t listed yet.”

The BlueSox roster may be tweaked somewhat early. Outfielder Shayne Houck, a junior at Kutztown University and the PSAC East Player of the Year, may be selected in Monday’s amateur draft. He hit .397 with 11 homers, 56 RBI and led the PSAC in numerous offensive categories this spring.

Outfielder-second baseman Colin Harrington plays for the University of Virginia, which just won the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and is headed for the NCAA tourney. He’s hitting .366 in 25 games with the Cavaliers.

“I’m anticipating losing Houck, which would be a positive thing for him, obviously, but you never know,” Rebyanski said. “I’m rooting for Virginia to win the whole thing.

“While it’d be great to have Colin here, hopefully, we won’t see him until July.”

Only two BlueSox players from last year — right-handed pitchers James Connelly and Corey Young — are back in 2011.

Four local products — Miami (Ohio) catcher John Crummy, Pitt middle infielder Evan Oswald and Wooster College pitcher Zac Sessa, all from Butler, and Coastal Carolina outfielder Ryan Siegel from Freeport — are with the BlueSox this season.

Siegel was redshirted this spring by Coastal Carolina.

“It’s been hard not playing, but I’ve been taking advantage of the time to increase my strength and speed,” Siegel said. “Still, I’ve been counting down the days until our (BlueSox) opener.

“I can’t wait to get on the field again.”

Siegel’s goal is to become the team’s regular center fielder.

“There’s plenty of room out there,” he said of spacious Pullman Park. “I like that. I won’t have to worry about running into the wall.”

“You can’t teach speed, you use speed to your advantage,” Rebyanski said. “We’re counting on Ryan a lot in that regard.”

Oswald hit .233 for Pitt in 43 at bats this spring. He played in 25 games, including 12 starts. Rebyanski is hopeful he nails down one of the starting middle infield spots.

Crummy is one of three catchers on the roster. He saw action in five games with Miami, getting one hit in five at bats while drawing a couple of walks.

“Our catchers are gonna play,” Rebyanski said. “That’s the whole idea of them being here, to develop their skills behind the plate. John will see some looks at first base, too.”

Sessa, a left-handed reliever, threw just 4.1 innings for Wooster this spring.

“Lefties just know how to get guys out,” Rebyanski said. “Zac doesn’t throw hard. He’s crafty. He’ll be in the bullpen for us.”

Houck and St. Bonaventure infielder Jason Radwan — who hit .324 with five homers and 33 RBI for the Bonnies — are the only players with locked down spots in the season-opening lineup.

“I’ve got about 15 potential lineups in my head right now,” Rebyanski admitted.

Pregame ceremonies begin at 5:50 p.m. Thursday. A skydiver will deliver the game ball to the mound and a new team mascot will be unveiled. Acoustic rocker Tom Panei will play live music as fans enter the ballpark.

The team’s ownership group this season consists of Matt Clement, Bill “Wink” Robinson, Ray Conlon, Gordon Marburger, Dr. Mike Fiorina and team founder Leo Trich.