Feb. 1, 2011

click here for coaches' Atlantic 10 preseason poll

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2011 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 10 (eight of 13 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Charlotte

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Max Krakowiak, Fordham (pictured right); Cameron Hobson, Dayton; Corey Roberts, Charlotte

The top closer is: Bryan Hamilton, Charlotte

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Bryan Hamilton, Charlotte; and Max Krakowiak, Fordham

The most underrated pitcher is: Alex Alemann, Saint Louis

The best defensive catcher is: Chris Walker, Fordham

The best catcher arm is: Chris Walker, Fordham

The best defensive infielder is: Phil Bauer, Xavier

The best infield arm is: Mike LeBel, Rhode Island

The best defensive outfielder is: John McCambridge, Xavier

The best outfield arm is: Justin Wilson, Charlotte

Rank the three best pure hitters: Tom Coulombe, Rhode Island; Ben Thomas, Xavier (pictured right); (tie) Corey Shaylor, Charlotte; and Chris Walker, Fordham

Rank the three biggest power threats: Billy Barber, Richmond; Jon Myers, Saint Louis; Ben Thomas, Xavier

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Jon Myers, Saint Louis; Ben Thomas, Xavier; and Chris Walker, Fordham

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Chris Walker, Fordham

The most underrated hitter is: Chris Walker, Fordham

The best base-runner is: John McCambridge, Xavier

The best game coach is: Scott Googins, Xavier

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: (tie) Todd Linklater, Dayton; and Ryan Wheeler, Richmond

(photos courtesy of Fordham and Xavier Media Relations Offices)