Feb. 17, 2009

click here for SEC feature on LSU's Paul Mainieri

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

The team to beat is:  LSU

The top three starting pitchers are: Mike Minor, Vanderbilt; Trevor Holder, Georgia; Bryan Morgado, Tennessee

The top closer is: Scott Bittle, Ole Miss*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Scott Bittle, Ole Miss

The most underrated pitcher is: Sam Dyson, South Carolina

The best defensive catcher is: Brett Basham, Ole Miss; and Micah Gibbs, LSU

The best catcher arm is: Brett Basham, Ole Miss

The best defensive infielder is: D.J. LeMahieu, LSU (pictured right)

The best defensive outfielder is: Kentrail Davis, Tennessee

The three best pure hitters are: Blake Dean, LSU; Kentrail Davis, Tennessee; Josh Rutledge, Alabama

The three biggest power threats are: Hunter Morris, Auburn; Blake Dean, LSU; Rich Poythress, Georgia

The hitter you least want to face is: Blake Dean, LSU

The most underrated hitter is: Josh Adams, Florida; and Rich Poythress, Georgia

The best base-runner is: Avery Barnes, Florida; Matt den Dekker, Florida; Josh Rutledge, Alabama

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Baum Stadium, Arkansas

The best game coach is: Ray Tanner, South Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Todd Butler, Arkansas

* - unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of LSU Media Relations Office)