Feb. 4, 2011

click here for coaches' ACC 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 ACC (nine of 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Clemson

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Danny Hultzen, Virginia; Jed Bradley, Georgia Tech (pictured right); Sean Gilmartin, Florida State

The top closer is: Mike McGee, Florida State

The pitcher you least want to face is: Danny Hultzen, Virginia

The most underrated pitcher is: Mark Pope, Georgia Tech

The best defensive catcher is: Rafael Lopez, Florida State

The best catcher arm is: Rafael Lopez, Florida State

The best defensive infielder is: Stephen Perez, Miami

The best infield arm is: Marcus Stroman, Duke

The best defensive outfielder is: (tie) Zeke DeVoss, Miami; and Nathan Melendres, Miami

The best outfield arm is: Mike McGee, Florida State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Brad Miller, Clemson (pictured right); Levi Michael, North Carolina; Matt Skole, Georgia Tech

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Matt Skole, Georgia Tech; Harold Martinez, Miami; Mike McGee, Florida State

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Harold Martinez, Miami; Mike McGee, Florida State; and Brad Miller, Clemson

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Keith Werman, Virginia

The most underrated hitter is: Tim Smalling, Virginia Tech

The best base-runner is: no player received more than one vote

The best game coach is: (tie) Jack Leggett, Clemson; and Mike Martin, Florida State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Kevin McMullan, Virginia

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Clemson and Georgia Tech Media Relations Offices)