Feb. 17, 2011

click here for feature on Kolten Wong of Hawaii

click here for coaches' WAC 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 Western Athletic Conference (six of seven coaches responded).

The team to beat is: *Fresno State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Brock Stassi, Nevada; Blake McFarland, San Jose State; Jeremy Cole, Nevada

The top closer is: (tie) Zack Jones, San Jose State; and Lenny Linsky, Hawaii

The pitcher you least want to face is: Blake McFarland, San Jose State

The most underrated pitcher is: Tom Jameson, Nevada

The best defensive catcher is: Trent Garrison, Fresno State

The best catcher arm is: Carlos Escobar Jr., Nevada

The best defensive infielder is: Garrett Weber, Fresno State

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

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

The best outfield arm is: Dusty Robinson, Fresno State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Kolten Wong, Hawaii; Danny Muno, Fresno State; Jordan Ribera, Fresno State (pictured right)

Rank the three biggest power threats: Jordan Ribera, Fresno State; Kolten Wong, Hawaii; Mark Threlkeld, Louisiana Tech

The hitter you least want to face is: *Kolten Wong, Hawaii

The toughest hitter to strike out is: *Kolten Wong, Hawaii

The most underrated hitter is: Mark Threlkeld, Louisiana Tech

The best base-runner is: Kolten Wong, Hawaii

The best game coach is: Mike Batesole, Fresno State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Tom Kunis, San Jose State

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Fresno State Media Relations Office)