Feb. 10, 2011

click here for coaches' MVC 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 MVC (seven of eight coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Wichita State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Tim Kelley, Wichita State (pictured right); Charlie Lowell, Wichita State; (tie) Jonas Dufek, Creighton; Corey Maines, Illinois State

The top closer is: Kenny Long, Illinois State

The pitcher you least want to face is: Tim Kelley, Wichita State

The most underrated pitcher is: Ty Blach, Creighton

The best defensive catcher is: Matt Mirabal, Illinois State

The best catcher arm is: Matt Mirabal, Illinois State

The best defensive infielder is: Eric Stamets, Evansville

The best infield arm is: Tyler Grimes, Wichita State

The best defensive outfielder is: Greg Wallace, Evansville

The best outfield arm is: no player received more than one vote

Rank the three best pure hitters: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State; Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State (pictured right); Greg Wallace, Evansville

Rank the three biggest power threats: Cody Fick, Evansville; Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois; Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State

The hitter you least want to face is: Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State

The most underrated hitter is: Greg Wallace, Evansville

The best base-runner is: Eric Stamets, Evansville

The best game coach is: Gene Stephenson, Wichita State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Brent Kemnitz, Wichita State

(photos courtesy of Wichita State and Illinois State Media Relations Offices)