POCATELLO — Dan McCaskill has a fresh set of expectations.

The Runnin’ Rebels’ new head coach lost a total of 12 games the past two years while leading the Single-A Pocatello Razorbacks to a pair of historic seasons.

But the Runnin’ Rebels are in Double-A and it’s a higher level of baseball. Since nine of the Runnin’ Rebels are from the Razorbacks squad from last season, however, it would be easy to assume McCaskill and his players can simply carry over their mojo from 2014 into this season.

But it’s just not possible or probable. The competition is too demanding.

“We’ve talked about it, and I’ve told them this is a new level for them — and me, obviously,” he said. “And to expect a lot different situations and circumstances.”

Not that the third-year Legion coach wants to temper his club’s excitement for the upcoming season. The Runnin’ Rebels host Minico for a doubleheader June 3 at Halliwell Park. They’ll expect to win that game and every one of them after that.

This season will be a different kind of challenge, both for the players and McCaskill. Through it all, they’ll have one overarching goal: Get back to state.

It’s been three years since the Runnin’ Rebels have made it past districts. For a good reason, too. They haven’t been able to fight their way past Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, two powerhouse programs with loads of talent and tradition.

Still, the Runnin’ Rebels believe they’re in the same class as those two, and they’re out to prove it.

They’ll do it with ace pitcher Trevor Bowers out of Marsh Valley and a cast of talented and athletic baseball players. McCaskill loves the versatility of his team. Guys like Kaden Sweat (Highland) and Ethan Hunt (Highland) can do a little of everything. More importantly, they do everything well.

Beyond Bowers on the mound, McCaskill will turn to Highland junior Braedon Boyer, returning college freshman Brandon Georgeson (Century), who threw for Grays Harbor College last year, and Century junior Saben Rodriguez as some of his main arms.

Offensively, both Kade Hall (Highland) and Chase Teter (Pocatello) are returning to Pocatello after completing their freshman seasons at Treasure Valley Community College, and each should shoulder a consistent bat after a year of seasoning at the next level.

In the end, McCaskill and the Runnin’ Rebels just want to play deep into July and early August. If they do that, they’ll have made the state tournament and reached their potential.

“It’s not going to be like last year. There’s going to be losses,” McCaskill said. “There’s going to be hardships. There’s going to be tough times. But with these kids’ attitudes and my assistant coach Dean Swallow, I think we’ll stay up and I think we’re going to battle.”

Coach Dan McCaskill on the 2015 Runnin’ Rebels roster

P Trevor Bowers, sr., Marsh Valley

“He’s the real deal and I think he’s one of the best pitchers out of this area in several years.”

Util Dawson Keller, so., Pocatello

“He can play anywhere. He’s a three-sport athlete. He’s a stud. He’s fast, speed, strength, he hits the ball well.”

P Braedon Boyer, jr., Highland

“Great pitcher, also can play any position. ... He was our No. 3 (pitcher) last year (on the Razorbacks) and he was one of the big reasons we got where we were. He just came in and he threw strikes.”

OF Cal Norby, jr., Highland

“I don’t know what happened to him this year but now he’s killing the ball. He finally bought into the system, bought into that he’s a baseball player.”

3B Kam Farnsworth, sr., Highland

“I say something and he does it. I say you do this and he mimics it. He’s just a hard-working kid. I love the way he plays and approaches the game.”

Util. Kaden Sweat, sr., Highland

“Can play anywhere. ... One of the strongest kids on the team. He’s a utility player.”

IF/OF Ethan Hunt, sr., Highland

“Silent leader. He works harder than anybody. I think I’m going to play him at every position. ... He’s been tremendous for me for two years.”

OF CC Burrup, so., Highland

“He plays way above his age. Fast, tons of power. ... I’m excited to have him. He’s one of those kids that whatever I say, he just drops it and does it. Good listener and good team player, too.”

Util. Dylan Mansanarez, sr., Blackfoot

“Dylan is good. Dylan is solid. I love him at the plate. I love how he can play anywhere. I can probably stick him at third (base). He’s a hard worker. ... He’s one of those kids that puts his nose down and goes hard. That’s what I want and that’s what I need.”

1B Conner LaMont, sr., Century

“Huge kid. Going to CSI next year. ... He has the tools, has the talent. Great first baseman. Has the power — lefty. I’m glad he’s around.”

P Brandon Georgeson, college freshman, Grays Harbor

“We always got along, always got along great. If he throws strikes, he’s going to be one of the better pitches in the state. His off-speed stuff is filthy.”

SS/P Chase Teter, college freshman, Treasure Valley Community College

“He has some of the best hands I’ve ever seen. Just the way he moves and how easy he makes things. And he’s also going to pitch for us.”

C Kade Hall, college freshman, Treasure Valley Community College

“Great catcher, also going to play some outfield. ... I think he’s going to be a great addition to the program.”

Util. Dillyn Deno, sr., Soda Springs

“I didn’t know much about him. He impressed us at tryouts. He hustles. He can play anywhere. He can catch. He looks good behind the plate. ... Hits the ball well. Lot of energy. He’s one of those ‘yes, sir’ guys. I like his manner and I like his hard work ethic that I’ve seen so far.”

P/OF Saben Rodriguez, jr., Century

“He’s grown a lot, physically and mentally. Last year he was our No. 4 pitcher for the Razorbacks. ... I’m excited to have him back. I think he can be one of those kids that if we need an outfielder, that’s what he’s going to play.”