Feb. 10, 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 Big South (six out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Coastal Carolina*

The top three starting pitchers are: Nick McCully, Coastal Carolina; Dustin Umberger, Liberty* (pictured left); Travis Smink, VMI

The top closer is: Travis Smink, VMI

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Dustin Umberger, Liberty

The most underrated pitcher is: Chris Henderson, VMI; Travis Smink, VMI; Andrew White, Charleston Southern

The best defensive catcher is: Errol Hollinger, Liberty

The best catcher arm is: Errol Hollinger, Liberty

The best defensive infielder is: Kevin Weidenbacher, UNC Asheville

The best defensive outfielder is: Sam Roberts, VMI

The three best pure hitters are: Alex Gregory, Radford*; Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina*; David Anderson, Coastal Carolina; Reggie Keen, Radford

The three biggest power threats are: David Anderson, Coastal Carolina*; Alex Gregory, Radford; Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina

The hitter you least want to face is: Alex Gregory, Radford

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

The best base-runner is: Scott Woodward, Coastal Carolina*

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: The Winthrop Ballpark

The best game coach is: Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mike McGuire, Winthrop; and Kevin Schnall, Coastal Carolina

* - unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Liberty Media Relations Office)