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 Mountain West (five of seven coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *TCU

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Matt Purke, TCU (pictured right); *Tanner Peters, UNLV; Rudy Jaramillo, New Mexico

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

The pitcher you least want to face is: *Matt Purke, TCU

The most underrated pitcher is: Tanner Peters, UNLV

The best defensive catcher is: Jo Jo Sharrar, Utah

The best catcher arm is: Jo Jo Sharrar, Utah

The best defensive infielder is: *Taylor Featherston, TCU

The best infield arm is: Alex Allbritton, New Mexico

The best defensive outfielder is: Nathan Carter, Air Force

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

Rank the three best pure hitters: *C.J. Cron, Utah (pictured right); Alex Wolfe, BYU; Brandon Bayardi, UNLV

Rank the three biggest power threats: *C.J. Cron, Utah; Brandon Bayardi, UNLV; Brandon Meredith, San Diego State

The hitter you least want to face is: *C.J. Cron, Utah

The toughest hitter to strike out is: *C.J. Cron, Utah

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: *Jim Schlossnagle, TCU

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Randy Mazey, TCU

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of TCU and Utah Media Relations Offices)