Feb. 8, 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 12 (seven of 10 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Oklahoma

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Taylor Jungmann, Texas; Cole Green, Texas, Logan Verrett, Baylor

The top closer is: John Stilson, Texas A&M

The pitcher you least want to face is: John Stilson, Texas A&M (pictured right)

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Logan Verrett, Baylor; and T.J. Walz, Kansas

The best defensive catcher is: Kevin Gonzalez, Texas A&M

The best catcher arm is: Kevin Gonzalez, Texas A&M

The best defensive infielder is: Brandon Loy, Texas

The best infield arm is: Adam Smith, Texas A&M

The best defensive outfielder is: Cohl Walla, Texas

The best outfield arm is: (tie) Brooks Pinckard, Baylor; and Cohl Walla, Texas

Rank the three best pure hitters: *Nick Martini, Kansas State (pictured right); Barrett Barnes, Texas Tech; Garrett Buechele, Oklahoma

Rank the three biggest power threats: Garrett Buechele, Oklahoma; Cameron Seitzer, Oklahoma; (tie) Barrett Barnes, Texas Tech; and Kevin Lusson, Texas

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Garrett Buechele, Oklahoma; and Nick Martini, Kansas State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Nick Martini, Kansas State

The most underrated hitter is: (tie) Barrett Barnes, Texas Tech; and Logan Vick, Baylor

The best base-runner is: Jamodrick McGruder, Texas Tech

The best game coach is: Augie Garrido, Texas

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

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Texas A&M & Kansas State Media Relations Offices)