Feb. 7, 2011

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

The team to beat is: Connecticut

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Matt Barnes, Connecticut; Randy Fontanez, USF (pictured right); Kyle Hansen, St. John’s

The top closer is: Tony Zych, Louisville

The pitcher you least want to face is: Randy Fontanez, USF

The most underrated pitcher is: Elliot Glynn, Connecticut

The best defensive catcher is: Erick Fernandez, Georgetown

The best catcher arm is: Erick Fernandez, Georgetown

The best defensive infielder is: Nick Ahmed, Connecticut

The best infield arm is: Nick Ahmed, Connecticut

The best defensive outfielder is: George Springer, Connecticut

The best outfield arm is: George Springer, Connecticut

Rank the three best pure hitters: Steve Nyisztor, Rutgers; Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s (pictured right); George Springer, Connecticut

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s; George Springer, Connecticut; Ryan Wright, Louisville

The hitter you least want to face is: Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Joe Panik, St. John’s

The most underrated hitter is: Joe Panik, St. John’s

The best base-runner is: George Springer, Connecticut

The best game coach is: Ed Blankmeyer, St. John’s

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: (tie) Mike Hampton, St. John’s; and Chris Lemonis, Louisville

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of USF and St. John's Media Relations Offices)