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 West (seven of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *Cal State Fullerton

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Noe Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton; Dylan Floro, Cal State Fullerton; Andrew Gagnon, Long Beach State

The top closer is: Nick Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton

The pitcher you least want to face is: Noe Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Scott Lyman, UC Davis; and Dayne Quist, UC Davis

The best defensive catcher is: Kellen Hoime, Long Beach State

The best catcher arm is: Kellen Hoime, Long Beach State

The best defensive infielder is: Richy Pedroza, Cal State Fullerton

The best infield arm is: Kirk Singer, Long Beach State

The best defensive outfielder is: Drew Muren, Cal State Northridge

The best outfield arm is: Bobby Crocker, Cal Poly

Rank the three best pure hitters: Justin Schults, UC Riverside; Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton; Nick Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Nick Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton; Bobby Crocker, Cal Poly; Justin Shults, UC Riverside

The hitter you least want to face is: Nick Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton

The most underrated hitter is: David Popkins, UC Davis

The best base-runner is: (tie) Ridge Carpenter, Cal State Northridge; and Bobby Crocker, Cal Poly

The best game coach is: Mike Gillespie, UC Irvine

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Greg Bergeron, Cal State Fullerton

*unanimous selection