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 Horizon League (four of seven coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Milwaukee

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Casey Henn, Wright State (pictured right); Mike Hernandez, Butler; Chad Pierce, Milwaukee

The top closer is: Cameron Amsrud, Milwaukee

The pitcher you least want to face is: Casey Henn, Wright State

The most underrated pitcher is: Jon Gulbransen, Valparaiso

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) Garrett Gray, Wright State; and Michael Letzter, Butler

The best catcher arm is: Garrett Gray, Wright State

The best defensive infielder is: (tie) Jason Ganek, UIC; and Andy Leonard, UIC

The best infield arm is: Jason Ganek, UIC

The best defensive outfielder is: Steve McGuiggan, UIC

The best outfield arm is: (tie) Kyle Gaedele, Valparaiso; and Steve McGuiggan, UIC

Rank the three best pure hitters: Kyle Gaedele, Valparaiso (pictured right); Matt Serna, UIC; (tie) Joe Iacobucci, Youngstown State; and Tyler Wynn, Cleveland State

Rank the three biggest power threats: Garrett Gray, Wright State; Kyle Gaedele, Valparaiso; Tyler Wynn, Cleveland State

The hitter you least want to face is: Kyle Gaedele, Valparaiso

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Andy Leonard, UIC

The most underrated hitter is: Joe Iacobucci, Youngstown State

The best base-runner is: Steve McGuiggan, UIC

The best game coach is: (tie) Rob Cooper, Wright State; and Scott Doffek, Milwaukee

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Sean McDermott, UIC

(photos courtesy of Valparaiso & Wright State Media Relations Offices)