Feb. 2, 2009

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 America East Conference (six out of seven coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Binghamton

The top three starting pitchers are: Joe Serafin, Vermont* (pictured right); Jeff Dennis, Binghamton*; Chris Greiner, Hartford

The top closer is: Greg Lane, Binghamton*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Joe Serafin, Vermont

The most underrated pitcher is: Weston Szymanski, Hartford

The best defensive catcher is: Justin Echevarria, Stony Brook; and Myckie Lugbauer, Maine

The best catcher arm is: Myckie Lugbauer, Maine

The best defensive infielder is: Kyle Klee, Binghamton

The best defensive outfielder is: Brian Witkowski, Stony Brook

The three best pure hitters are: Brian Witkowski, Stony Brook (pictured left); Brendan Rowland, Albany; Michael Stephan, Stony Brook

The three biggest power threats are: Myckie Lugbauer, Maine; Michael Stephan, Stony Brook; Brendan Rowland, Albany

The hitter you least want to face is: Brian Witkowski, Stony Brook

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

The best base-runner is: Brian Witkowski, Stony Brook

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Hartford Baseball Field

The best game coach is: Matt Senk, Stony Brook; and Tim Sinicki, Binghamton

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Ryan Hurba, Binghamton; and Bob Mumma, UMBC

*unanimous selection

(Serafin photo by Ed Wolfstein)

 (Witkowski photo by Bruce Yeung)