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 Southland Conference (5 of 13 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Sam Houston State and Southeastern Louisiana (tie)
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Mac Sceroler (SLU) (pictured, photo by Randy Bergeron of SLU), Riley Gossett (Sam Houston State) – note, no other pitcher received more than one vote
Top Closer: Kade Granier (SLU)
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: Cody Davenport (Central Arkansas)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Mac Sceroler’s slider (SLU)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: Mac Sceroler (SLU)
Best Catcher: Robie Rojas (Sam Houston State)
Best Defensive Infielder: No player received more than one vote
Best Defensive Outfielder: Jacob Seward (SLU) and Bryce Johnson (Sam Houston State) (tie)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Bryce Johnson (Sam Houston State)*, Reid Russell (Lamar)*, Conner Fikes (Stephen F. Austin)
3 Best Power Threats: Reid Russell (Lamar)*, Andrew Fregia (Sam Houston State), Shane Selman (McNeese State)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Reid Russell (Lamar)
Best Game Coach: Matt Riser (Southeastern Louisiana) and Seth Thibodeaux (Nicholls State) (tie)
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Xavier Hernandez (Houston Baptist)
*unanimous choice