The experienced Maole, one of the stalwarts of the Otago softball scene, is taking time out because of family commitments.
Cardinals have won the overall competition for the past two years and are expected to make it three wins in a row.
Pitcher Steve Willis, who played in Christchurch last season, has returned and will share the mound with the experienced Grant Phillips.
Cardinals have recruited five young players from Dodgers, with shortstop Hoani Iva-Keen and pitcher Jacob Wedlock the most prominent.
Two players from the Cardinals Colts have been promoted to the senior team. They are Mitchell Finnie, who can play at second base or short stop, and Hayden Carey who can play at second base or catcher.
The new coach is Alan Carey.
"We have a mixture of promising youngsters and experienced talent," he said.
Dodgers won the Champions Cup two years ago but has lost its star pitcher and junior international Ben Watts, who is playing his softball in Christchurch.
Another significant loss is first baseman and left-hand batter Wayne Sangster, who is now living in Australia.
The most important gain is pitcher Tom Snow, who has returned to the club after spending three years overseas.
Michael Familton, another pitcher, is back after a year away.
Dodgers will rely on Otago representative Jamie Robinson, who is a skilled shortstop and can also play in the outfield. Catcher Cam Watts has been impressive in pre-season games.
"We were off the pace last year but we have the talent to climb to the top spot again," Aran Bailey, the coach for the past eight years, said.
The big loss for Ellis Park is veteran pitcher Gary Pointon, who has switched to cricket after playing 20 years of senior softball.
The club has also lost experienced coach Wayne Vial, who is putting his energies into his business.
Sean Martin is the new coach,"We have a young and inexperienced team," he said. "I have named three promising 16-year-olds in the team." One of them is Will Meiklejohn, who can pitch or play at second base.
The other new teenagers are Sean Bennett (catcher) and Jesse Muir.
The most experienced player in the team is pitcher Peter Mathieson, who has played for the Otago under-17 team.
Black Sox outfielder Campbell Makea, who is studying physiology in Dunedin, will be the assistant coach.
Saints have not lost any significant players from the team which finished runner-up in the inter-city competition between Dunedin and Invercargill last year.
The most important gain is Ben Foster, who missed last year through injury.
"Our big strength is in the infield," coach Tim Howard said. He and Michael Crowley are coaching the team for the second year.
Players who will support Foster in the infield are Mark Arfield at first base, Lachie Brensell at shortstop and Michael O'Neill at second base.
Dunedin teams
For Champions Cup
Last year's champion: Cardinals.
Teams: Cardinals, coach Alan Carey; Dodgers, coach Aran Bailey; Ellis Park, coach Sean Martin; Saints, coaches Michael Crowley, Tim Howard.
Venue: Ellis Park, 1pm today.
