Feb. 13, 2009

click here for Southern Conference feature on Elon

click here for Southern Conference 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 Southern Conference (seven out of 11 coaches participated).

The team to beat is:  Elon*

The top three starting pitchers are: Jesse Simpson, College of Charleston; Asher Wojciechowski, The Citadel; Chris Masters, Western Carolina

The top closer is: Thomas Girdwood, Elon*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Thomas Girdwood, Elon

The most underrated pitcher is: Cory Harrilchak, Elon (pictured left)

The best defensive catcher is: Dallas Tarleton, Elon

The best catcher arm is: Dallas Tarleton, Elon

The best defensive infielder is: Brent Greer, Western Carolina

The best defensive outfielder is: Corey Overholtzer, UNC Greensboro

The three best pure hitters are: Cory Harrilchak, Elon*; Ty Wright, Georgia Southern; Sonny Meade, The Citadel

The three biggest power threats are: Ty Wright, Georgia Southern*; Brandon Sizemore, College of Charleston (pictured right); Richard Jones, The Citadel

The hitter you least want to face is: Cory Harrilchak, Elon

The most underrated hitter is: No hitter received more than one vote

The best base-runner is: Cory Harrilchak, Elon

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: J.I. Clements Stadium, Georgia Southern

The best game coach is: Mike Kennedy, Elon

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Greg Starbuck, Elon

* - unanimous selection 

(photos courtesy of Elon and CofC Media Relations Office)