Feb. 9, 2009

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2009 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 Atlantic Sun (nine out of 11 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Kennesaw State

The top three starting pitchers are: Kyle Heckathorn, Kennesaw State (pictured left); Rex Brothers, Lipscomb; Chad Jenkins, Kennesaw State

The top closer is: Jimmy Stanley, Belmont

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Kyle Heckathorn, Kennesaw State

The most underrated pitcher is: Brandon McClurg, Lipscomb

The best defensive catcher is: Jeremy Gillan, Jacksonville

The best catcher arm is: Jeremy Gillan, Jacksonville; and Casey Stuart, Mercer

The best defensive infielder is: Casey Frawley, Stetson

The best defensive outfielder is: Allen Bolden, Lipscomb; Jacob Robbins, Kennesaw State; Nate Woods, Belmont

The three best pure hitters are: Jeremy Cruz, Stetson* (pictured right); Jeremy Gillan, Jacksonville; Robert Crews, Stetson

The three biggest power threats are: Jeremy Cruz, Stetson*; Derek Wiley, Belmont; Robert Crews, Stetson

The hitter you least want to face is: Jeremy Cruz, Stetson

The most underrated hitter is: Jacob Robbins, Kennesaw State

The best base-runner is: Jacob Robbins, Kennesaw State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Melching Field at Conrad Park, Stetson

The best game coach is: Dusty Rhodes, UNF

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mitch Markham, Stetson

* - unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Kennesaw State and Stetson Media Relations Office)