Feb. 2, 2009

click here for coaches' CAA preseason poll

click here for coaches' preseason All-CAA team

 

James Madison is Team to Beat in CAA

 

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 Colonial Athletic Association (nine out of 11 coaches participated).

 

The team to beat is: James Madison

 

The top three starting pitchers are: Turner Phelps, James Madison; Daniel Cropper, UNC Wilmington; Robinson Polanco, Georgia State

 

The top closer is: Jordan Flasher, George Mason

 

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Turner Phelps, James Madison (pictured left)

 

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

 

The best defensive catcher is: Chris Henderson, George Mason; and Edgar Hernandez, Old Dominion

 

The best catcher arm is: Chris Henderson, George Mason; and Edgar Hernandez, Old Dominion

 

The best defensive infielder is: Nick Natoli, Towson

 

The best defensive outfielder is: Alex Foltz, James Madison (pictured right)

 

The three best pure hitters are: Mike Tamsin, Northeastern; Matt Prokopowicz, Hofstra; Bradley Logan, Georgia State

 

The three biggest power threats are: Scott Krieger, George Mason; Justin Bour, George Mason; Frank Pesanello, Northeastern

 

The hitter you least want to face is: Scott Krieger, George Mason

 

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

 

The best base-runner is: Gerard Hall, Old Dominion

 

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Brooks Field, UNC Wilmington

 

The best game coach is: Mark Scalf, UNC Wilmington

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Randy Hood, UNC Wilmington

(photos courtesy of JMU Media Relations Office)