Feb. 8, 2008

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2008 college baseball season by sharing their insights on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide a sneak peek for the season ahead. click here for CBI Conference Previews

Today, we take a look at the Patriot League (three out of six coaches participated – new Holy Cross coach Greg DiCenzo deferred having not seen enough of the League).

The team to beat is: Navy

The three top starting pitchers are: Mitch Harris (Navy)*(pictured right, photo by Phil Hoffmann), Cole White (Army)*, Matthew Wilson (Bucknell)*

The top closer is: Jason Buursma (Bucknell)*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Three pitchers received one vote apiece

The most underrated pitcher is: Kevin Reese (Lafayette)*

The best defensive catcher is: Brendan Akashian (Holy Cross)

The best three pure hitters are: Joe Ercolano (Lehigh)*, Cole White (Army) and Brendan Akashian (Holy Cross)

The biggest three power threats are: Mitch Harris (Navy)*, Cole White (Army) and Brendan Akashian (Holy Cross)

The hitter you least want to face is: Cole White (Army)

The most underrated hitter is: Three hitters received one vote apiece

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Navy

*unanimous selection