Feb. 9, 2008

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 Ivy League (four out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Harvard/Brown

The three top starting pitchers are: Todd Roth (Penn)* (pictured right), Jim Birmingham (Penn)/Shawn Haviland (Harvard)/Brandon Josselyn (Yale)

The top closer is: No pitcher received more than one vote

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Brad Gemberling (Princeton)

The most underrated pitcher is: Brad Gemberling (Princeton)

The best defensive catcher is: Jack Murphy (Princeton)

The best three pure hitters are: Ryan Lavarnway (Yale)*, Nick Santomauro (Dartmouth), Matt Vance (Harvard)

The biggest three power threats are: Ryan Lavarnway (Yale)*, Jack Murphy (Princeton), Kyle Armeny, Penn

The hitter you least want to face is: No hitter received more than one vote

The most underrated hitter is: Ron Williams (Columbia)

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Cornell

*unanimous selection