Feb. 16, 2011

click here for coaches' SBC 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 Sun Belt Conference (eight of 10 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: Florida Atlantic

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Tyler Ray, Troy; Jacob Lee, Arkansas State; R.J. Alvarez, Florida Atlantic

The top closer is: Andy Mee, Florida Atlantic (pictured right)

The pitcher you least want to face is: Jacob Lee, Arkansas State

The most underrated pitcher is: Drew Granier, ULM

The best defensive catcher is: Matt Rice, Western Kentucky

The best catcher arm is: Matt Rice, Western Kentucky

The best defensive infielder is: *Adam Bryant, Troy

The best infield arm is: Adam Bryant, Troy

The best defensive outfielder is: Kes Carter, Western Kentucky

The best outfield arm is: Andy Mee, Florida Atlantic

Rank the three best pure hitters: Garrett Wittels, FIU; Adam Bryant, Troy (pictured right); Matt Rice, Western Kentucky

Rank the three biggest power threats: Adam Bryant, Troy; Dan Scheffler, Florida Atlantic; Will Skinner, Middle Tennessee

The hitter you least want to face is: Garrett Wittels, FIU

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Garrett Wittels, FIU

The most underrated hitter is: Pablo Bermudez, FIU

The best base-runner is: Michael Faulkner, Arkansas State

The best game coach is: Chris Finwood, Western Kentucky

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: (tie) Mark Calvi, South Alabama; and Mark Smartt, Troy

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of FAU & Troy Media Relations Offices)