Feb. 9, 2009

click here for ACC feature on Miami's Ryan Jackson

click here for coaches' ACC 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 ACC (nine out of 12 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: North Carolina* (head coach Mike Fox pictured left)

The top three starting pitchers are: Alex White, North Carolina; Chris Hernandez, Miami; Matt Harvey, North Carolina

The top closer is: Kyle Bellamy, Miami

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Alex White, North Carolina

The most underrated pitcher is: No pitcher received more than one vote

The best defensive catcher is: Yasmani Grandal, Miami; and Tony Sanchez, Boston College

The best catcher arm is: Tony Sanchez, Boston College

The best defensive infielder is: Ryan Jackson, Miami

The best defensive outfielder is: Tyler Holt, Florida State; and Addison Johnson, Clemson

The three best pure hitters are: Dustin Ackley, North Carolina* (pictured right); Derek Dietrich, Georgia Tech; Kyle Seager, North Carolina

The three biggest power threats are: Derek Dietrich, Georgia Tech; Kyle Parker, Clemson; Ben Paulsen, Clemson

The hitter you least want to face is: Dustin Ackley, North Carolina

The most underrated hitter is: No hitter received more than one vote

The best base-runner is: Jeff Rowland, Georgia Tech

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Dick Howser Stadium, Florida State

The best game coach is: Jack Leggett, Clemson; Mike Martin, Florida State; Jim Morris, Miami

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Tom Holliday, NC State; and Kevin McMullan, Virginia

* unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of UNC Media Relations Office)