Feb. 18, 2009

click here for Stephen Strasburg Feature

click here for Mountain West 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 the Mountain West Conference (five out of seven coaches participated).

The team to beat is: TCU*

The top three starting pitchers are: Stephen Strasburg, San Diego State* (pictured left); Tyler Lockwood, TCU; Jordan Muir, BYU

The top closer is: Addison Reed, San Diego State

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Stephen Strasburg, San Diego State*

The most underrated pitcher is: Sean Hoelscher, TCU

The best defensive catcher is: Rafael Neda, New Mexico

The best catcher arm is: Rafael Neda, New Mexico

The best defensive infielder is: Ben Carruthers, TCU*

The best defensive outfielder is: Kent Walton, BYU

The three best pure hitters are: Brian Cavazos-Galvez, New Mexico (pictured right); Sean McNaughton, BYU; Steve Parker, BYU

The three biggest power threats are: Brian Cavazos-Galvez, New Mexico*; Matt Carpenter, TCU; Cory Vaughn, San Diego State

The hitter you least want to face is: Sean McNaughton, BYU

The most underrated hitter is: Nathan Carter, Air Force; and Corey Shimada, Utah

The best base-runner is: Corey Shimada, Utah

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Lupton Stadium, TCU

The best game coach is: Jim Schlossnagle, TCU*

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Randy Mazey, TCU

(photos courtesy of SDSU & UNM Media Relations Office)