Feb. 9, 2008

Charlotte shines in Atlantic 10 preseason preview

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2008 college baseball season by sharing their insights on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide a sneak peek for the season ahead. click here for CBI Conference Previews

Today, we take a look at the Atlantic 10 (11 out of 14 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Charlotte

The three top starting pitchers are: Tom Davis (Fordham), Zach Rosenbaum (Charlotte), Matt Zielinski (Richmond) (pictured right)

The top closer is: Brian Alas (Richmond)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Alex Hale (Richmond)

The most underrated pitcher is: Quinn Haselhorst (Dayton)

The best defensive catcher is: Zach Zaneski (Rhode Island)

The best three pure hitters are: Brad McElroy (Charlotte) (pictured right), Eric Reese (Fordham), Sean Barksdale (Temple)

The biggest three power threats are: Brad McElroy (Charlotte), Charlie Kruer (George Washington), Chris Taylor (Charlotte)

The hitter you least want to face is: Brad McElroy (Charlotte)

The most underrated hitter is: Sean Barksdale (Temple)

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Dayton

Preseason coaches poll (2007 Overall/A-10 record)
1. Charlotte (49-12/23-4)
2. Richmond (32-28/18-9)
3. Xavier (29-31/17-10)
4. Rhode Island (23-29/16-11)
5. Fordham (35-22/19-8)
6. George Washington (23-30-1/14-13)
7. Dayton (21-33/9-18)
8. St. Bonaventure (25-27/14-12)
9. Massachusetts (22-25/13-14
10. Saint Louis (16-37/12-14)
11. Temple (18-37/9-18)
12. Duquesne (22-29/10-17)
13. La Salle (17-32/8-19)
14. Saint Joseph's (10-39/6-21)