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 ACC (8 of 14 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Florida State
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: J.B. Bukauskas (North Carolina)*, Brendan McKay (Louisville), Kade McClure (Louisville)
Top Closer: Pat Krall (Clemson)
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: J.B. Bukauskas (North Carolina)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Brendan McKay – curve (Louisville); J.B. Bukauskas – slider (North Carolina) (tie)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: J.B. Bukauskas (North Carolina)
Best Catcher: Cal Raleigh (Florida State)*
Best Defensive Infielder: Taylor Walls (Florida State)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Carl Chester (Miami)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Seth Beer (Clemson)* (pictured, photo by Brian Hennessy of Clemson Athletic Communications), Pavin Smith (Virginia), Brendan McKay (Louisville)
3 Best Power Threats: Seth Beer (Clemson)*, Dylan Busby (Florida State), Kel Johnson (Georgia Tech)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Seth Beer (Clemson)*
Best Game Coach: Mike Martin
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Kevin McMullan (Virginia)
*unanimous choice