Feb. 2, 2015

VCU Team to Beat in Atlantic 10

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2015 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.

Today, we take a look at Atlantic 10 (nine of 13 coaches responded).

Conference Additions: Davidson

Conference Departures: none  

The team to beat: VCU

The top starting pitchers: Clay Smith (Saint Louis); Heath Dwyer (VCU); Steve Moyers (Rhode Island)

The top closer: Matt Eckelman (Saint Louis)

The pitcher you least want to face: Matt Eckelman (Saint Louis)

The most underrated pitcher: Zak Sterling (Richmond)

The best defensive catcher: Chase Livingston (Rhode Island)

The best catcher arm: Charles Galiano (Fordham); Ray Toto (George Mason)

The best defensive infielder: Tim Caputo (Rhode Island); Vimael Machin (VCU)

The best infield arm: Braxton Martinez (Saint Louis)

The best defensive outfielder: Tanner Stanley (Richmond)

The best outfield arm: Tanner Stanley (Richmond); Justin Korenblatt (LaSalle)

The best pure hitters: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis); Tanner Stanley (Richmond); Vimael Machin (VCU); Ryan Xepoleas (George Washington); Stefan Kancylarz (Saint Joseph’s)

The biggest power threats: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis); Matt Dacey (Richmond); Doug Kraeger (Richmond)

The hitter you least want to face: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis)

The toughest hitter to strike out: Ryan Xepoleas (George Washington)

The most underrated hitter: Ryan Xepoleas (George Washington)

The best baserunner: Joseph Runco (Fordham)

The best game coach: Bill Brown (George Mason)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Ryan Wheeler (Saint Joseph’s)

*unanimous selection