Feb. 2, 2011

click here for coaches' Big South 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 South (five out of 10 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *Coastal Carolina

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina (pictured right); Steven Evans, Liberty; Matteo D’Angelo, Winthrop

The top closer is: Michael Devine, VMI

The pitcher you least want to face is: *Anthony Meo, Coastal Carolina

The most underrated pitcher is: Robert Lake, Winthrop

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) Tucker Frawley, Coastal Carolina; and Alex Haitsuka, VMI

The best catcher arm is: (tie) Tucker Frawley, Coastal Carolina; and Alex Haitsuka, VMI

The best defensive infielder is: Taylor Motter, Coastal Carolina

The best infield arm is: Matt Williams, Liberty

The best defensive outfielder is: Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina

The best outfield arm is: Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina

Rank the three best pure hitters: *Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina; Tyler Bream, Liberty (pictured right); (tie) Nick Chinners, Charleston Southern; and Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Daniel Bowman, Coastal Carolina; Tyler Bream, Liberty; (tie) Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina; and Eddie Rohan, Winthrop

The hitter you least want to face is: Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina

The toughest hitter to strike out is: (tie) Tommy La Stella, Coastal Carolina; and Matt Williams, Liberty

The most underrated hitter is: Nick Chinners, Charleston Southern

The best base-runner is: *Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina

The best game coach is: Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Kevin Schnall, Coastal Carolina

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Coastal Carolina and Liberty Media Relations Offices)