Feb. 19, 2010

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2010 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 Big 12 (six out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Texas*

The top three starting pitchers are: Taylor Jungmann, Texas* (pictured right); Chance Ruffin, Texas*; Chad Bettis, Texas Tech

The top closer is: Ryan Duke, Oklahoma

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Taylor Jungmann, Texas*

The most underrated pitcher is: Chad Bettis, Texas Tech

The best defensive catcher is: Jeremy Mayo, Texas Tech; and Cameron Rupp, Texas

The best catcher arm is: Cameron Rupp, Texas

The best defensive infielder is: Brandon Loy, Texas

The best defensive outfielder is: Connor Rowe, Texas

The three best pure hitters are: Tony Thompson, Kansas (pictured right); Carter Jurica, Kansas State; Garrett Buechele, Oklahoma

The three biggest power threats are: Cameron Rupp, Texas; Tony Thompson, Kansas; Kevin Keyes, Texas

The hitter you least want to face is: Tony Thompson, Kansas

The most underrated hitter is: Aaron Senne, Missouri

The best base-runner is: Carter Jurica, Kansas State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Texas

The best game coach is: Augie Garrido, Texas

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mitch Thompson, Baylor

*unanimous selection

(Jungmann photo courtesy of Texas Media Relations Office)

(Thompson photo by Jeff Jacobsen, Kansas Athletics)