Feb. 2, 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 the Big Ten (seven of 11 coaches responded).

The team to beat:  Purdue

The top starting pitchers: Tony Bucciferro, Michigan State; T.J. Oakes, Minnesota; Steven Hill, Penn State

The top closer: Josh Dezse, Ohio State (right); and Nick Wittgren, Purdue

The pitcher you least want to face: Josh Dezse, Ohio State

The most underrated pitcher: David Garner, Michigan State

The best defensive catcher: Kevin Plawecki, Purdue

The best catcher arm: Kevin Plawecki, Purdue

The best defensive infielder: Justin Scanlon, Michigan State

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

The best defensive outfielder: Patrick Biondi, Michigan

The best outfield arm: Barrett Serrato, Purdue

The best pure hitters: Torsten Boss, Michigan State (right); Cameron Perkins, Purdue; Mike McQuillan, Iowa; Kevin Plawecki, Purdue

The biggest power threats: Cameron Perkins, Purdue; Torsten Boss, Michigan State; Josh Dezse, Ohio State

The hitter you least want to face: Cameron Perkins, Purdue

The toughest hitter to strike out: Ryan Jones, Michigan State

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

The best base-runner: Patrick Biondi, Michigan

The best game coach: John Anderson, Minnesota

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Rob Fornasiere, Minnesota

(photos courtesy of OSU & MSU Media Relations Offices)