Feb. 8, 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 MAC (all 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Kent State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: David Starn, Kent State (right); Michael Hamann, Toledo; Mac Thoreson, Miami

The top closer is: Deitrich Enns, Central Michigan

The pitcher you least want to face is: Michael Hamann, Toledo

The most underrated pitcher is: Andrew Brown, Akron

The best defensive catcher is: David Lyon, Kent State

The best catcher arm is: Tom Murphy, Buffalo

The best defensive infielder is: (tie) Alex Jones, Northern Illinois; Jimmy Rider, Kent State; and Troy White, Northern Illinois

The best infield arm is: (tie) Alex Jones, Northern Illinois; and Troy White, Northern Illinois

The best defensive outfielder is: Ryan Brenner, Miami

The best outfield arm is: Brent Ohrman, Eastern Michigan

Rank the three best pure hitters: Tom Murphy, Buffalo; Tyler Hall, Central Michigan; Jeff Zimmerman, Northern Illinois (right)

Rank the three biggest power threats: Tom Murphy, Buffalo; Jeff Zimmerman, Northern Illinois; David Lyon, Kent State

The hitter you least want to face is: Tom Murphy, Buffalo

The toughest hitter to strike out is: (tie) Tom Murphy, Buffalo; and Ethan Newton, Ohio

The most underrated hitter is: Jimmy Rider, Kent State

The best base-runner is: Ryan Brenner, Miami

The best game coach is: Scott Stricklin, Kent State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mike Birkbeck, Kent State

(photos courtesy of Kent State & Northern Illinois Media Relations Offices)