What might a Kansas Stars roster look like in 2017?

Since we all agree the Kansas Stars are the best thing to happen to the NBC World Series since sliced bread — we agree on that, right? — then let’s start to look ahead to 2017.

The Stars I’ve talked to say they have loved playing in the tournament, getting together with the guys and hanging out with their families in Wichita during the middle of August and who am I to argue with them.

We’ll work on the assumption, then, that a big core group will return for the Stars in 2017. Of course, the NBC will have something to say about that, but since the Stars have been a cash cow does anyone really think tournament organizers, even with some resistence from established NBC programs, would snub a Stars return?

Of course not.

One thing I’m sure the Stars have learned from this experience is that you can never have enough depth. And that’s certainly been the case for them, especially with position players. It’s been a bare-bones crew, one that would have trouble covering injuries. And with a team full of 40-year-olds, or thereabouts, injuries are a given.

Who could the Stars bring in to not only boost the the strength of their roster but also boost an already-strong fan appeal?

Let’s start with position players. And we’re trying to be logical here, so don’t look for Derek Jeter to make a stop in Wichita next summer.

But Chipper Jones might. He was all in for this year, he said, until “contractual obligations” kept him from coming to town. Jones is a future Hall of Famer and when it was announced he was going to be a Star this year there was a rush for tickets. A few days later, when it was announced he was backing out, there was a collective groan heard in Ponca City.

The Stars also reached out to Ken Griffey Jr., 44, but after being hopeful early on nothing came of it. So perhaps Jeter, 42, isn’t off the table completely, either, crazy as it seems.

There are other interesting names worth considering. Remember, though, that a bunch of these Stars players have been buddies for a long time and share common interests. It’ll probably never be a team that undergoes a huge transformation in the course of one year.

Tweaks, though, are inevitable and will help keeps the Stars’ brand fresh.

So what about checking out some of these position players:

▪ Scott Rolen, 41, one of the best third basemen to play.

▪ Todd Helton, 42, former Colorado Rockies first baseman.

▪ Jim Thome, 45, slugged more than 600 homers

▪ Lance Berkman, 40, a switch-hitter with power.

▪ Jimmy Rollins, 37, a slick-fielding shortstop and former National League MVP recently released by the Chicago White Sox.

▪ Jason Kendall, 42, who caught for the Pirates and the Royals. The Stars could use more catching to support Koyie Hill.

▪ Placido Polanco, 40, who could play second, third or shortstop.

▪ Rafael Furcal, 38, who was in the World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals five years ago.

▪ Juan Pierre, 38, a quick outfielder who would give the Stars an element of speed, even at his age.

▪ Adam Dunn, 36, a powerful first baseman who routinely hit long home runs.

▪ Rick Ankiel, 37, who was pegged to be with the Stars this season until suffering a softball injury. No more softball, Rick.

▪ Torii Hunter, 41, who retired after the 2015 season after a long, successful MLB career.

▪ Jason Bay, 37, an outfielder who had some outstanding seasons in Pittsburgh.

Now for the pitching possibilities.

Pitching is hard, especially for guys past their primes. And if you can go three innings when you’re 40, you’re gold.

▪ Roy Halladay, 39, a former Cy Young Award winner.

▪ Mark Buehrle, 37, won more than 200 games with the Chicago White Sox.

▪ Cliff Lee, 37, went 143-91 during a 13-year MLB career.

▪ Barry Zito, 38, a left-hander who helped the Giants win the 2012 World Series

▪ Dan Haren, 35, retired after the 2015 season with 153 wins.

▪ A.J. Burnett, 39, pitched 17 years in the majors

▪ Bronson Arroyo, 39, was never a hard thrower but won 145 games in 15 seasons.

▪ Kerry Wood, 39, once struck out 20 hitters in a game for the Chicago Cubs.

▪ Joe Nathan, 41, was recently let go by the Cubs after a successful career as a closer.

▪ Brandon Webb, 37, was a 22-game winner for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008.

Health, of course, is a huge factor. I’m not sure if some of these pitchers would prefer never go get close to another pitching mound.

I assume, though, that many former big leaguers would embrace playing in the NBC World Series because so many of the Stars have.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 9:05 PM with the headline "What might a Kansas Stars roster look like in 2017?."