Feb. 11, 2009

click here for MVC feature on Missouri State

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 Missouri Valley Conference (six out of nine coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Missouri State

The top three starting pitchers are: Tim Clubb, Missouri State*; Nick Kirk, Northern Iowa; Ryan Copeland, Illinois State; Jeremy Hauer, Creighton

The top closer is: Bryant George, Southern Illinois (pictured right)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Tim Clubb, Missouri State*

The most underrated pitcher is: Ryan Copeland, Illinois State

The best defensive catcher is: Mark Kelly, Southern Illinois

The best catcher arm is: Mark Kelly, Southern Illinois

The best defensive infielder is: Elliot Soto, Creighton

The best defensive outfielder is: Ryan Jones, Wichita State; and Colby Luttrell, Bradley

The three best pure hitters are: Ben Carlson, Missouri State*; Darin Ruf, Creighton (pictured left); Colby Luttrell, Bradley

The three biggest power threats are: Ben Carlson, Missouri State*; Brady Shoemaker, Indiana State; Clinton McKeever, Wichita State

The hitter you least want to face is: Ben Carlson, Missouri State

The most underrated hitter is: Brayden Drake, Missouri State; and Colby Luttrell, Bradley

The best base-runner is: Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Hammons Field, Missouri State; and Eck Stadium, Wichita State

The best game coach is: Gene Stephenson, Wichita State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Ken Henderson, Southern Illinois

* - unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Southern Illinois and Creighton Media Relations Office)