PORTLAND — When considering the 2010 version of the Portland Sea Dogs, two words spring to mind: Young and talented.

Thanks to the uncanny knack of the Red Sox to keep the flow of blue chip prospects coming, the group that will open the new season tonight at Reading is short on experience, but long on ability.

No fewer than 10 members of this year’s Dogs spent most, if not all of 2009 in the lower reaches of the Sox’ rich farm system.

And that doesn’t include Jose Iglesias, the 20-year-old Dominican shortstop who turned kept experienced eyes a poppin throughout Spring Training.

“We’re a real young team,” said Arnie Beyeler, who is entering his fourth year as Sea Dogs skipper. “But we’re a a real talented team. We have kids who can play a little bit. And the older guys we have coming back are pretty good players who are experienced. So it will be fun.”

The Sea Dogs will feature three of Baseball America’s four top rated Bosox prospects, including 1B Lars Anderson (back for his third season) and CF Ryan Kalish (a midseason promotion, last year).

Heading the list is erstwhile shortstop turned RHP Casey Kelly, who many thought would begin the season in Class-A.

However, Kelly performed so well during his first full Spring as a hurler, that he all but forced himself into the Portland rotation (albeit as the fifth starter).

“They’re going to flash some pretty special things from time to time,” said Beyeler. “It’s fun to watch. Other times, it’s not so fun to watch. But that’s why guys are here. If they were polished and ready to go, they’d be up in Boston right now.”

Here’s a closer look at the make up of the Dogs.

Pitching: The five-man rotation will be anchored by returning lefty Felix Doubront, who along with Iglesias, are the lone Dogs on Boston’s 40 man roster. Doubront will be tonight’s Opening Day Starter, to be followed by RHP Ryne Miller (back after half a season here, last year), and two total newbies, lanky righties Kyle Weiland and Stephen Fift. At the best end will be Kelly, who will be on a strict pitch count. Infielders: The enigmatic Anderson is back after last year’s sluggish

effort. This could be the year he pushes his way toward Triple-A Pawtucket, and beyond.

Then there is Iglesias, for whom the Sox shelled out plenty of free agent cash.

“There are some plays he makes,” said Beyeler, “where he makes you go ‘wow’”

Outfield: Kalish and former first rounder Jason Place will hold down two of the three spots, with Taiwanese projects Chih-Hsien Chang and Che-Hsuan Lin fighting with returnee Matt Sheeley for time at the other spot.

“It will be a fun team to watch,” said Beyeler. “It will be exciting. Because the guys have a lot of ability.”

Portland will mark it’s 17th home opener on Apr. 15, when the Trenton Thunder, Double-A affiliate  of the New York Yankees, will visit town.

— Contact Staff Writer Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.