Jan. 30, 2012

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2012 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 America East (five of six coaches responded).

The team to beat: Maine, Stony Brook

The top starting pitchers: Tyler Johnson, Stony Brook; Jeffrey Gibbs, Maine (right); Mike Augliera, Binghamton

The top closer: Shaun Coughlin, Maine

The pitcher you least want to face: Tyler Johnson, Stony Brook

The most underrated pitcher: Kasceim Graham, Albany

The best defensive catcher: Pat Cantwell, Stony Brook

The best catcher arm: Pat Cantwell, Stony Brook

The best defensive infielder: Michael Fransoso, Maine

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

The best defensive outfielder: Travis Jankowski, Stony Brook (right)

The best outfield arm: Nolan Gaige, Albany

The best pure hitters: William Carmona, Stony Brook; Dave Ciocchi, Binghamton, Michael Fransoso, Maine

The biggest power threats: William Carmona, Stony Brook; Alex Calbick, Maine; Tanner Nivins, Stony Brook

The hitter you least want to face: William Carmona, Stony Brook

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

The most underrated hitter: no player received more than one vote

The best base-runner: Travis Jankowski, Stony Brook

The best game coach: Jon Mueller, Albany

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Joe Pennucci, Stony Brook

(photos courtesy of Maine & Stony Brook Media Relations Offices)