Feb. 3, 2011

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 Big Ten (nine of 10 coaches responded)

The team to beat is: *Minnesota

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Jarred Hippen, Iowa; TJ Oakes, Minnesota; Drew Leininger, Indiana

The top closer is: Scott Matyas, Minnesota

The pitcher you least want to face is: TJ Oakes, Minnesota

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Francis Brooke, Northwestern; and TJ Oakes, Minnesota

The best defensive catcher is: Kevin Plawecki, Purdue

The best catcher arm is: Kevin Plawecki, Purdue

The best defensive infielder is: AJ Pettersen, Minnesota

The best infield arm is: Derek Dennis, Michigan

The best defensive outfielder is: Patrick Biondi, Michigan

The best outfield arm is: Pete Cappetta, Illinois

Rank the three best pure hitters: *Alex Dickerson, Indiana (pictured right); Jerrud Sabourin, Indiana; Willie Argo, Illinois

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Alex Dickerson, Indiana; Nick O’Shea, Minnesota; Coley Crank, Michigan

The hitter you least want to face is: *Alex Dickerson, Indiana

The toughest hitter to strike out is: (tie) Patrick Biondi, Michigan; Alex Dickerson, Indiana; and Jeff Holm, Michigan State

The most underrated hitter is: Jeff Holm, Michigan State

The best base-runner is: Willie Argo, Illinois

The best game coach is: John Anderson, Minnesota

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Rob Fornasiere, Minnesota

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Indiana Media Relations Office)