Feb. 4, 2009

click here for Atlantic 10 feature on Charlotte's Rob Lyerly

click here for coaches' Atlantic 10 preseason poll

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2009 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 (10 out of 14 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Charlotte*

The top three starting pitchers are: Joe Yermal, Charlotte; Nick Greenwood, Rhode Island; Scott Turmail, Saint Louis; Danny Rosenbaum, Xavier

The top closer is: Jordan Conley, Xavier (pictured left)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Jordan Conley, Xavier

The most underrated pitcher is: Quinn Haselhorst, Dayton; Matt Mongiardini, Temple; Randy Mower, Saint Joseph’s

The best defensive catcher is: Billy O’Conner, Xavier

The best catcher arm is: Brandon Salerno, St. Bonaventure

The best defensive infielder is: Aaron Bray, Charlotte

The best defensive outfielder is: Byron McKoy, Temple

The three best pure hitters are: Rob Lyerly, Charlotte*; Corey Shaylor, Charlotte; Tim Reeves, George Washington

The three biggest power threats are: Rob Lyerly, Charlotte (pictured right); Billy Barber, Richmond; Marshall MacDonald, Dayton

The hitter you least want to face is: Rob Lyerly, Charlotte

The most underrated hitter is: Anthony Randich, St. Bonaventure

The best base-runner is: Sean Barksdale, Temple

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Tom and Lib Phillips Field at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium, Charlotte

The best game coach is: Jim Foster, Rhode Island

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Bo Durkac, Charlotte; J.D. Heilmann, Xavier; Todd Linklater, Dayton

(photos courtesy of Xavier and Charlotte Media Relations Office)