Feb. 9, 2011

click here for coaches' MEAC 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 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (five of seven coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *Bethune-Cookman

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Ali Simpson, Bethune-Cookman (pictured right); *Esterlin Paulino, North Carolina A&T; Brent Moore, North Carolina A&T

The top closer is: no player received more than one vote

The pitcher you least want to face is: Ali Simpson, Bethune-Cookman

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Joseph Munoz, Bethune-Cookman; and Jim Vagnier, Coppin State

The best defensive catcher is: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The best catcher arm is: *Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The best defensive infielder is: no player received more than one vote

The best infield arm is: Chris Joyce, Norfolk State

The best defensive outfielder is: Xavier Macklin, North Carolina A&T

The best outfield arm is: John Lynch, Norfolk State

Rank the three best pure hitters: DJ Leonard, Bethune-Cookman; Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman; Xavier Macklin, North Carolina A&T

Rank the three biggest power threats: Ryan Durrence, Bethune-Cookman; Xavier Macklin, North Carolina A&T; Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The hitter you least want to face is: Ryan Durrence, Bethune-Cookman

The toughest hitter to strike out is: *Marquis Riley, North Carolina A&T

The most underrated hitter is: no player received more than one vote

The best base-runner is: no player received more than one vote

The best game coach is: Keith Shumate, North Carolina A&T

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: *Jose Vasquez, Bethune-Cookman

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Media Relations Office)