Feb. 4, 2010

click here for coaches' Big South preseason poll

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 South (eight out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Coastal Carolina*

The top three starting pitchers are: Cody Wheeler, Coastal Carolina* (pictured right); Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina; Dustin Umberger, Liberty

The top closer is: Tyler Mizenko, Winthrop

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Cody Wheeler, Coastal Carolina

The most underrated pitcher is: Shawn Teufel, Liberty; and Tyler Thornburg, Charleston Southern

The best defensive catcher is: Jose Iglesias, Coastal Carolina

The best catcher arm is: Alex Haitsuka, VMI

The best defensive infielder is: Matt Williams, Liberty

The best defensive outfielder is: Rico Noel, Coastal Carolina

The three best pure hitters are: Curran Redal, Liberty (pictured right); Adam Rice, Coastal Carolina; Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina

The three biggest power threats are: Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina; Eddie Rohan, Winthrop; Ty Boyles, Gardner-Webb

The hitter you least want to face is: Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina

The most underrated hitter is: Curran Redal, Liberty

The best base-runner is: Rico Noel, Coastal Carolina

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: The Winthrop Ballpark

The best game coach is: Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mike McGuire, Winthrop

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Coastal Carolina and Liberty Media Relations Offices)