Feb. 20, 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 West (seven out of nine coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Cal State Fullerton

The top three starting pitchers are: Mike Ford, UC Santa Barbara* (pictured left); Daniel Bibona, UC Irvine; Daniel Renken, Cal State Fullerton; Jake Thompson, Long Beach State

The top closer is: Eric Pettis, UC Irvine

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Joe Kelly, UC Riverside

The most underrated pitcher is: Paul Applebee, UC Riverside

The best defensive catcher is: Joe Oliveira, Pacific

The best catcher arm is: Joe Oliveira, Pacific

The best defensive infielder is: Ben Orloff, UC Irvine

The best defensive outfielder is: Josh Fellhauer, Cal State Fullerton

The three best pure hitters are: Josh Fellhauer, Cal State Fullerton; Ty Kelly, UC Davis; Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton

The three biggest power threats are: Jared Clark, Cal State Fullerton*; Francis Larson, UC Irvine; Luke Yoder, Cal Poly

The hitter you least want to face is: Josh Fellhauer, Cal State Fullerton

The most underrated hitter is: Ben Orloff, UC Irvine

The best base-runner is: Gary Brown, Cal State Fullerton

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Goodwin Field, Cal State Fullerton

The best game coach is: Mike Gillespie, UC Irvine

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Pat Shine, UC Irvine

* - unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of UCSB Media Relations Office)