Feb. 14, 2014

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2014 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 Missouri Valley (four coaches responded).

Additions: Dallas Baptist

Departures: Creighton

The team to beat: Wichita State*

The top three starting pitchers: Kyle Freeland, Evansville; Jon Harris, Missouri State; Dan Savas, Illinois State

The top closer: Jeremy Rhoades, Illinois State*

The pitcher you least want to face: Kyle Freeland, Evansville

The most underrated pitcher: Dan Savas, Illinois State

The best defensive catcher: Austin Jarvis, Bradley

The best catcher arm: Austin Jarvis, Bradley

The best defensive infielder: Tyler Wampler, Indiana State

The best infield arm: Tyler Wampler, Indiana State

The best defensive outfielder: Tate Matheny, Missouri State; Max Murphy, Bradley

The best outfield arm: Kevin Kaczmarski, Evansville

The three best pure hitters: Casey Gillaspie, Wichita State (right); Kevin Kaczmarski, Evansville; Tate Matheny, Missouri State

The three biggest power threats: Casey Gillaspie, Wichita State;, Kevin Kaczmarski, Evansville; Austin Listi, Dallas Baptist; Greg Partyka, Bradley

The hitter you least want to face: Casey Gillaspie, Wichita State

The toughest hitter to strike out: Tate Matheny, Missouri State

The most underrated hitter: no player received more than one vote

The best base-runner: no player received more than one vote

The best game coach: Keith Guttin, Missouri State; Mark Kingston, Illinois State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: no assistant coach received more than one vote
 

*unanimous selection 

(photo courtesy of MVC Media Relations)