CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country on the teams and players to watch in their conferences to preview the 2017 college baseball season. Coaches were asked not to vote for their own players. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. (Click here for CBI Conference Previews)
Today, we take a look at the America East (4 of 7 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Binghamton
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Bret Clarke (Stony Brook)*, John Arel (Maine), Jake Cryts (Binghamton)
Top Closer: Cameron Stone (Stony Brook)
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: No player received more than one vote.
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Bret Clarke’s slider (Stony Brook)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: No player received more than one vote.
Best Catcher: Hunter Dolshun (UMBC)
Best Defensive Infielder: Paul Rufo (Binghamton)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Toby Handley (Stony Brook)
3 Best Pure Hitters: David MacKinnon (Hartford)*, Hunter Dolshun (UMBC), Danny Casals (Maine)
3 Best Power Threats: Hunter Dolshun (UMBC)*, Steve Passatempo (UMass-Lowell)*, Brendan Skidmore (Binghamton), Ashton Bardzell (Hartford) (note – Skidmore and Bardzell tied)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Hunter Dolshun (UMBC)
Best Game Coach: Matt Senk (Stony Brook) and Tim Sinicki (Binghamton) (tie)
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Ryan Hurba (Binghamton) and Joe Pennucci (Stony Brook)
*unanimous choice