Feb. 13, 2008

click here for Big South preseason feature

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 Big South (six out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Coastal Carolina*

The three top starting pitchers are: Bobby Gagg (Coastal Carolina)*, Michael Bowman (VMI)* (pictured right), Alan DeRatt (UNC Asheville)

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

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Bobby Gagg (Coastal Carolina)

The most underrated pitcher is: Dustin Umberger (Liberty)

The best defensive catcher is: Errol Hollinger (Liberty)/John Murrian (Winthrop) (tie)

The best three pure hitters are: Tommy Baldridge (Coastal Carolina), David Sappelt (Coastal Carolina), Alex Gregory (Radford)

The biggest three power threats are: Tommy Baldridge (Coastal Carolina), David Sappelt (Coastal Carolina), Garrett Young (Liberty) (pictured right)

The hitter you least want to face is: David Sappelt (Coastal Carolina)

The most underrated hitter is: Jeff Cowan (High Point)

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Coastal Carolina

*unanimous selection

Preseason Conference Poll

1. Coastal Carolina 128

2. VMI 97

3. Liberty 96

4. Winthrop 88

5. High Point 61

6. UNC Asheville 56

7. Charleston Southern 25

7. Radford 25