Feb. 10, 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 Ohio Valley Conference (eight of 10 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Austin Peay

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Aaron Elias, Jacksonville State; Zach Toney, Austin Peay (right); Hunter Rivers, Jacksonville State

The top closer is: Todd Hornsby, Jacksonville State

The pitcher you least want to face is: Todd Hornsby, Jacksonville State

The most underrated pitcher is: Alec Mills, UT Martin

The best defensive catcher is: Matt Wollenzin, Austin Peay

The best catcher arm is: P.J. Torres, Austin Peay

The best defensive infielder is: Richie Rodriguez, Eastern Kentucky

The best infield arm is: (tie) Reed Harper, Austin Peay; and Kenton Parmley, Southeast Missouri

The best defensive outfielder is: Michael Blanchard, Austin Peay

The best outfield arm is: Kyle Bluestein, Jacksonville State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Trenton Moses, Southeast Missouri; Ben Waldrip, Jacksonville State (right); Sam Eberle, Jacksonville State

Rank the three biggest power threats: Ben Waldrip, Jacksonville State; Trenton Moses, Southeast Missouri; John Hogan, Austin Peay

The hitter you least want to face is: Trenton Moses, Southeast Missouri

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Richie Rodriguez, Eastern Kentucky

The most underrated hitter is: Richie Rodriguez, Eastern Kentucky

The best base-runner is: Michael Blanchard, Austin Peay

The best game coach is: Jim Case, Jacksonville State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Steve Gillispie, Jacksonville State

(photos courtesy of Austin Peay & Jacksonville State Media Relations Offices)