Feb. 11, 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 Northeast Conference (six of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Bryant

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Justin Topa, Long Island (pictured right); Pat Light, Monmouth; Nick Meyers, Monmouth

The top closer is: Mark Andrews, Bryant

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Pat Light, Monmouth; and Justin Topa, Long Island

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Brady Feigl, Mount St. Mary’s; and Peter Kelich, Bryant

The best defensive catcher is: Tyler Jones, Long Island

The best catcher arm is: Tyler Jones, Long Island

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

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

The best defensive outfielder is: (tie) Josh Boyd, Monmouth; and Kevin Brown, Bryant

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

Rank the three best pure hitters: Pat Epps, Central Connecticut State (pictured right); Kevin Brown, Bryant; and Mitch Wells, Central Connecticut State

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Pat Epps, Central Connecticut State; Ryan Terry, Monmouth; (tie) Shane Eyler, Mount St. Mary’s; and Nick Pulsonetti, Monmouth

The hitter you least want to face is: Pat Epps, Central Connecticut State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: no player received more than one vote

The most underrated hitter is: John Murphy, Sacred Heart

The best base-runner is: Josh Boyd, Monmouth

The best game coach is: Charlie Hickey, Central Connecticut State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Pat Hall, Central Connecticut State

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of LIU & CCSU Media Relations Offices)