Feb. 10, 2009

click here for C-USA feature on Marshall's Nate Lape

click here for coaches' C-USA preseason poll

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 Conference USA (four out of nine coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Rice*

The top three starting pitchers are: Ryan Berry, Rice*; Seth Maness, East Carolina*; Wes Musick, Houston*

The top closer is: Chase Dempsay, Houston*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: No pitcher received more than one vote

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

The best defensive catcher is: Diego Seastrunk, Rice

The best catcher arm is: Diego Seastrunk, Rice*

The best defensive infielder is: Rick Hague, Rice

The best defensive outfielder is: Nate Lape, Marshall

The three best pure hitters are: Diego Seastrunk, Rice*; James Ewing, Southern Miss; Nate Lape, Marshall

The three biggest power threats are: Nate Lape, Marshall*; Kiko Vazquez, UCF; Stephen Batts, East Carolina

The hitter you least want to face is: Diego Seastrunk, Rice

The most underrated hitter is: Brian Dozier, Southern Miss (pictured left)

The best base-runner is: Brian Dozier, Southern Miss

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Reckling Park, Rice

The best game coach is: Wayne Graham, Rice

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Scott Berry, Southern Miss

* unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Southern Miss Media Relations Office)