Feb. 8, 2013

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 MAC (eight of 12 coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

2012 regular season champion: Kent State

2012 tournament champion: Kent State

The team to beat: *Kent State

The top starting pitchers: Tyler Skulina, Kent State; Neil Butara, Eastern Michigan (right); Steve Laudicina, Western Michigan

The top closer: Brian Clark, Kent State

The pitcher you least want to face: Tyler Skulina, Kent State

The most underrated pitcher: Neil Butara, Eastern Michigan

The best defensive catcher: James Miglin, Toledo

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

The best defensive infielder: Derek Toadvine, Kent State

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

The best defensive outfielder: Jason Kanzler, Buffalo

The best outfield arm: Tyler Wells, Ohio

The best pure hitters: George Roberts, Kent State; Matt Honchel, Miami; Matt Pollock, Buffalo (right)

The biggest power threats: Matt Pollock, Buffalo; George Roberts, Kent State; Jason Bagoly, Kent State

The hitter you least want to face: George Roberts, Kent State

The toughest hitter to strike out: Matt Honchel, Miami

The most underrated hitter: Jason Kanzler, Buffalo

The best baserunner: Jamison Wells, Northern Illinois

The best game coach: *Scott Stricklin, Kent State

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

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of EMU & Buffalo Media Relations)