Feb. 6, 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 Ivy League (four out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Princeton

The top three starting pitchers are: Max Perlman, Harvard (pictured right); Todd Roth, Penn; Brad Gemberling, Princeton

The top closer is: Ryan Smith, Dartmouth*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Brad Gemberling, Princeton; and Max Perlman, Harvard

The most underrated pitcher is: Will Weidig, Brown

The best defensive catcher is: Jack Murphy, Princeton

The best catcher arm is: Jack Murphy, Princeton

The best defensive infielder is: Ron Williams, Columbia

The best defensive outfielder is: Steve Daniels, Brown

The three best pure hitters are: Jack Murphy, Princeton (pictured left); Nathan Ford, Cornell; Nick Santomauro, Dartmouth

The three biggest power threats are: Jack Murphy, Princeton*; Nick Santomauro, Dartmouth; Tom Stack-Babich, Harvard

The hitter you least want to face is: Jack Murphy, Princeton

The most underrated hitter is: Steve Daniels, Brown

The best base-runner is: Steve Daniels, Brown

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Clarke Field, Princeton

The best game coach is: No head coach received more than one vote

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: No assistant coach received more than one vote

(photos courtesy of Harvard and Princeton Media Relations Office)