Feb. 5, 2013

Inside: With Louisville's Dan McDonnell

Cincinnati's Brian Cleary: Ambassador of the Game

 

Louisville looks to lead the pack in the Big East

 

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2013 college baseball season by sharing their thoughts on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. click here for CBI Conference Previews

 

Today, we take a look at the Big East (eight of 11 coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

 

The team to beat: Louisville

 

The top starting pitchers: Jon Prosinski, Seton Hall; Jeff Thompson, Louisville; Sean Hagan, St. John’s; Jared Ruxer, Louisville

 

The top closer: Dan Slania, Notre Dame

 

The pitcher you least want to face: Jon Prosinski, Seton Hall

 

The most underrated pitcher: Pat Connaughton, Notre Dame

 

The best defensive catcher: Jeff Melillo, Rutgers; Elvin Soto Pittsburgh

 

The best catcher arm: Elvin Soto, Pittsburgh

 

The best defensive infielder: Sean O’Hare, St. John’s; Giuseppe Pappaccio, Seton Hall

 

The best infield arm: Giuseppe Pappaccio, Seton Hall

 

The best defensive outfielder: Adam Engel, Louisville

 

The best outfield arm: James Ramsay, USF

 

The best pure hitters: L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut (right); James Ramsay, USF; Justin Glass, Cincinnati

 

The biggest power threats: Trey Mancini, Notre Dame; Eric Jagielo, Notre Dame; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut

 

The hitter you least want to face: Eric Jagielo, Notre Dame; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut; James Ramsay, USF

 

The toughest hitter to strike out: Nick Ratajczak, Louisville

 

The most underrated hitter: Justin Glass, Cincinnati; Sean O’Hare, St. John’s

 

The best baserunner: Adam Engel, Louisville

 

The best game coach: Ed Blankmeyer, St. John’s; Lelo Prado, USF; Rob Sheppard, Seton Hall

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Phil Cundari, Seton Hall; Mike Hampton, St. John’s; Chris Lemonis, Louisville

 

(photo courtesy of UConn Athletic Communications)