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 Horizon League (6 of 7 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Wright State
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Caleb Sampen (Wright State)*, Elijah Goodman (Milwaukee), Jake Dahlberg (UIC), Connor Ryan (UIC) (note – Dahlberg and Ryan tied)
Top Closer: Kevin Yarabinec (Youngstown State)
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: Caleb Sampen (Wright State) and Connor Ryan (UIC) (tie)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Jake Dahlberg’s change (UIC)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: Caleb Sampen (Wright State)
Best Catcher: Daulton Varsho (Milwaukee)
Best Defensive Infielder: Cody Bohanek (UIC) and David Cronin (UIC) (tie)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Mickey McDonald (UIC)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Daulton Varsho (Milwaukee)*, David Cronin (UIC) and J.D. Orr (Wright State), Zach Sterry (Oakland), Peyton Burdick (Wright State) (note – Orr, Sterry and Burdick tied)
3 Best Power Threats: Gabe Snyder (Wright State)*, Daulton Varsho (Milwaukee), Ricardo Ramirez (UIC)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Daulton Varsho (Milwaukee)
Best Game Coach: Scott Doffek (Milwaukee)
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Sean McDermott (UIC)
*unanimous choice