CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country on the teams and players to watch in their conferences to preview the 2017 college baseball season. Coaches were asked not to vote for their own players. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. (Click here for CBI Conference Previews)
Today, we take a look at the Big Ten (9 of 13 coaches responded).
The Team to Beat: Maryland
Top 3 Starting Pitchers: Brian Shaffer (Maryland)* (pictured, photo courtesy of Maryland Athletic Communications), Oliver Jaskie (Michigan), Taylor Bloom (Maryland)
Top Closer: Chad Luensmann (Nebraska)*
Pitcher with the Best Fastball: Brian Shaffer (Maryland)
Pitcher with the Best Offspeed Pitch: Oliver Jaskie – change (Michigan); Nick Gallagher – slider (Iowa); Taylor Bloom – change (Maryland) (three-way tie)
Pitcher You Least Want to Face: Brian Shaffer (Maryland)
Best Catcher: Matt Byars (Michigan State)
Best Defensive Infielder: Kevin Smith (Maryland)
Best Defensive Outfielder: Jawuan Harris (Rutgers)
3 Best Pure Hitters: Jake Bivens (Michigan), Nick Dunn (Maryland), Matt Hopfner (Northwestern)
3 Best Power Threats: Scott Schreiber (Nebraska)*, Logan Sowers (Indiana), Marty Costes (Maryland)
Hitter You Least Want to Face: Scott Schreiber (Nebraska)
Best Game Coach: John Anderson (Minnesota) and John Szefc (Maryland) (tie)
Assistant Most Ready for Head Coaching Job: Nick Schnabel (Michigan)
*unanimous choice