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 MAAC (8 of 11 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Fairfield*
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Ricky Dennis (Monmouth)*, Nick Margevicius (Rider), Gavin Wallace (Fairfield)
Top Closer: Ryan Thomas (Marist)
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: Gavin Wallace (Fairfield) and Tom Cosgrove (Manhattan)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: John Signore’s curve and change (Fairfield); others to watch: Nick Margevicius’ change (Rider); Gavin Wallace’s slider (Fairfield); Joe DeRosa’s change (Iona)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: Tom Cosgrove (Manhattan), Nick Margevicius (Rider) and John Signore (Fairfield) (tie)
Best Catcher: Fabian Pena (Manhattan)
Best Defensive Infielder: Matthew Batten (Quinnipiac)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Dan Swain (Siena)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Shaine Hughes (Monmouth), Fabian Pena (Manhattan), Matt Batten (Quinnipiac)
3 Best Power Threats: Frankie Gregoire (Marist), Fabian Pena (Manhattan), Dan Shea (Monmouth), Joe Drpich (Siena) (Shea and Drpich tied)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Fabian Pena (Manhattan)
Best Game Coach: Mike McRae (Canisius)
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Mike Cole (Fairfield)
*unanimous choice