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 Big West (5 of 9 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Cal State Fullerton*
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Colton Eastman (Cal State Fullerton)* (pictured, photo courtesy of CSF Athletic Communications), Darren McCaughan (Long Beach State)*, Connor Seabold (Cal State Fullerton)
Top Closer: Kyle Nelson (UCSB)*
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: Erich Uelmen (Cal Poly) and Joe Ryan (Cal State Northridge) (tie)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Kyle Nelson’s slider (UCSB)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: Colton Eastman (Cal State Fullerton)
Best Catcher: Nick Meyer (Cal Poly)*
Best Defensive Infielder: Clay Fisher (UCSB)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Ruben Cardenas (Cal State Fullerton)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Keston Hiura (UC Irvine)*, Dillon Persinger (Cal State Fullerton), Brock Lundquist (Long Beach State)
3 Best Power Threats: Keston Hiura (UC Irvine)*, Austin Bush (UCSB)*, Timmy Richards (Cal State Fullerton)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Keston Hiura (UC Irvine)
Best Game Coach: Mike Gillespie (UC Irvine)*
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Greg Bergeron (Long Beach State)*
*unanimous choice