Feb. 3, 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 CAA (10 of 11 coaches responded).

The team to beat: James Madison

The top starting pitchers: Sean Tierney, James Madison (right); Andrew Leenhouts, Northeastern; Ben Tomchick, Old Dominion

The top closer: Brett Koehler, William and Mary

The pitcher you least want to face: Andrew Leenhouts, Northeastern

The most underrated pitcher: David D’Errico, Hofstra

The best defensive catcher: Andrew Parker, Towson

The best catcher arm: Andrew Parker, Towson

The best defensive infielder: (tie) Matt Ford, Hofstra; and Brandon Williams, Georgia State

The best infield arm: Matt Campbell, UNC Wilmington

The best defensive outfielder: (tie) Aaron Barbosa, Northeastern; Johnny Bladel, James Madison; and Danny Poma, Hofstra

The best outfield arm: (tie) Johnny Bladel, James Madison; Andrew Cain, UNC Wilmington; and Danny Poma, Hofstra

The best pure hitters: Thomas Pope, UNC Wilmington (right); Hunter Ridge, UNC Wilmington; Josh Wright, Old Dominion

The biggest power threats: Josh Wright, Old Dominion; Zack Helgeson, George Mason; Andrew Cain, UNC Wilmington

The hitter you least want to face: (tie) Johnny Bladel, James Madison; Thomas Pope, UNC Wilmington; and Josh Wright, Old Dominion

The toughest hitter to strike out: Thomas Pope, UNC Wilmington

The most underrated hitter: (tie) Thomas Pope, UNC Wilmington; Dan Schafferman, George Mason; and Brig Tison, George Mason

The best base-runner: Aaron Barbosa, Northeastern

The best game coach: Mark Scalf, UNC Wilmington

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Shawn Stiffler, VCU

(photos courtesy of JMU & UNCW Media Relations Offices)