Feb. 9, 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 Metro Atlantic (eight of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Rider

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Mike Thomas, Rider (pictured right); *Shane Davis, Canisius; Kyle Putnam, Marist

The top closer is: (tie) Tyler Smith, Rider; and John Soldinger, Manhattan

The pitcher you least want to face is: Shane Davis, Canisius

The most underrated pitcher is: Ryan Poplawski, Siena

The best defensive catcher is: Bryce Nugent, Marist

The best catcher arm is: Bryce Nugent, Marist

The best defensive infielder is: Sean Jamieson, Canisius

The best infield arm is: Sean Jamieson, Canisius

The best defensive outfielder is: Brandon Cotten, Rider

The best outfield arm is: Mike McCann, Manhattan

Rank the three best pure hitters: Dan Paolini, Siena (pictured right); Mike McCann, Manhattan; Kevin Quaranto, Siena

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Dan Paolini, Siena; Chad Salem, Manhattan; Brian Burton, Canisius

The hitter you least want to face is: Dan Paolini, Siena

The toughest hitter to strike out is: (tie) Mike McCann, Manhattan; and Mike Onorati, Manhattan

The most underrated hitter is: Jon Schwind, Marist

The best base-runner is: Justyn Carter, Saint Peter’s

The best game coach is: Barry Davis, Rider

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: no assistant received more than one vote

*unanimous selection

(Thomas photo by Hugh Tsung, Paolini photo courtesy of Siena Media Relations Office)