Feb. 10, 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 MAC (11 of 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *Kent State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Andrew Chafin, Kent State (pictured right); Michael Hamann, Toledo; Kendall Lewis, Eastern Michigan

The top closer is: Dietrich Enns, Central Michigan

The pitcher you least want to face is: Andrew Chafin, Kent State

The most underrated pitcher is: Kendall Lewis, Eastern Michigan

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) David Lyon, Kent State; and Adam Weisenburger, Miami

The best catcher arm is: Adam Weisenburger, Miami

The best defensive infielder is: Jimmy Rider, Kent State

The best infield arm is: T.J. Baumet, Ball State

The best defensive outfielder is: Ryan Curl, Miami

The best outfield arm is: Cody Elliott, Ball State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Jon Berti, Bowling Green (pictured right); Travis Shaw, Kent State; Ben Klafczynski, Kent State

Rank the three biggest power threats: Travis Shaw, Kent State; Ben Klafczynski, Kent State; Dan Sherwood, Toledo

The hitter you least want to face is: Jon Berti, Bowling Green

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Jon Berti, Bowling Green

The most underrated hitter is: Joe Corfman, Toledo

The best base-runner is: Jon Berti, Bowling Green

The best game coach is: Scott Stricklin, Kent State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mike Birkbeck, Kent State

(photo courtesy of KSU and BGSU Media Relations Office)