Feb. 15, 2011

click here for coaches' SoCon 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 Southern Conference (nine of 11 coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *College of Charleston

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Matt Talley, The Citadel (pictured right); Matt Benedict, Western Carolina; Lex Rutledge, Samford

The top closer is: Thomas Girdwood, Elon

The pitcher you least want to face is: Lex Rutledge, Samford

The most underrated pitcher is: Andy Moye, Georgia Southern

The best defensive catcher is: Alex Swim, Elon

The best catcher arm is: Alex Swim, Elon

The best defensive infielder is: Neal Pritchard, Elon

The best infield arm is: Jamie Holler, College of Charleston

The best defensive outfielder is: (tie) Nick Orvin, The Citadel; and Cole Rakar, College of Charleston

The best outfield arm is: Cole Rakar, College of Charleston

Rank the three best pure hitters: Ross Heffley, Western Carolina; Cole Rakar, College of Charleston; Mac Doyle, Wofford (pictured right)

Rank the three biggest power threats: Matt Leeds, College of Charleston; Mac Doyle, Wofford; Jose Rodriguez, College of Charleston

The hitter you least want to face is: Mac Doyle, Wofford

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Ross Heffley, Western Carolina

The most underrated hitter is: (tie) James Foster, Wofford; and Neal Pritchard, Elon

The best base-runner is: Shawn Payne, Georgia Southern

The best game coach is: Mike Kennedy, Elon

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Greg Starbuck, Elon

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Citadel and Wofford Media Relations Offices)