Feb. 5, 2009

click here for Pac-10 feature on USC's Grant Green

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 Pac-10 (six out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: UCLA

The top three starting pitchers are: Mike Leake, Arizona State*; Preston Guilmet, Arizona (pictured left); Gerrit Cole, UCLA

The top closer is: Kevin Rhoderick, Oregon State

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Kevin Rhoderick, Oregon State

The most underrated pitcher is: Jorden Merry, Washington

The best defensive catcher is: Dwight Childs, Arizona

The best catcher arm is: Dwight Childs, Arizona

The best defensive infielder is: Grant Green, USC (pictured right)

The best defensive outfielder is: Jason Kipnis, Arizona State

The three best pure hitters are: Jason Kipnis, Arizona State; Grant Green, USC; Kyle Conley, Washington

The three biggest power threats are: Jason Kipnis, Arizona State; Brent Milleville, Stanford; Gabe Cohen, UCLA

The hitter you least want to face is: Grant Green, USC

The most underrated hitter is: Jason Kipnis, Arizona State

The best base-runner is: Jason Kipnis, Arizona State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, Stanford

The best game coach is: Andy Lopez, Arizona

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

(photos courtesy of Arizona and USC Media Relations Office)