Feb. 6, 2009

click here for MAC feature on Kent State's Greg Rohan

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 MAC (nine out of 12 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Kent State*

The top three starting pitchers are: Kyle Smith, Kent State*; Billy Morrison, Western Michigan; Brad Stillings, Kent State; Brian Stroud, Western Michigan

The top closer is: Andy Deain, Northern Illinois (pictured left)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Jon Pokorny, Kent State

The most underrated pitcher is: Chris Rigo, Ohio

The best defensive catcher is: Justin Behm, Northern Illinois; and Zach Dygert, Ball State

The best catcher arm is: Josh Hula, Miami; and Chris Klimko, Ohio

The best defensive infielder is: Jordan Petraitis, Miami

The best defensive outfielder is: Gauntlett Eldemire, Ohio

The three best pure hitters are: Marc Krauss, Ohio (pictured right); Chris Lewis, Western Michigan; Greg Rohan, Kent State

The three biggest power threats are: Greg Rohan, Kent State; Marc Krauss, Ohio; Anthony Gallas, Kent State

The hitter you least want to face is: Marc Krauss, Ohio

The most underrated hitter is: Ryan Shay, Bowling Green

The best base-runner is: Kyle Rhoad, Eastern Michigan

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: McKie Field at Hayden Park, Miami

The best game coach is: Greg Beals, Ball State; and Danny Schmitz, Bowling Green

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

(Deain photo courtesy of NIU Media Relations Office)

(Krauss photo by Scott Gardner)