Feb. 13, 2009

click here for coaches' Southland preseason poll

click here for coaches' preseason All-Southland team

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 Southland Conference (six out of 12 coaches participated).

The team to beat is:  UTSA*

The top three starting pitchers are: Zach Tritz, Texas State; Dallas Gallant, Sam Houston State; Jimmy Heard, Northwestern State

The top closer is: Zach Calhoon, UTSA*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Zach Calhoon, UTSA

The most underrated pitcher is: Ryan Proudfoot, UTSA

The best defensive catcher is: Taylor Freeman, McNeese State; Heath Pugh, Sam Houston State; Ben Theriot, Texas State

The best catcher arm is: Ben Theriot, Texas State

The best defensive infielder is: Shon Landry, McNeese State; and Ty Summerlin, Southeastern Louisiana

The best defensive outfielder is: Michael Rockett, UTSA

The three best pure hitters are: Michael Rockett, UTSA*; Paul Goldschmidt, Texas State; Michael Choice, Texas-Arlington

The three biggest power threats are: Paul Goldschmidt, Texas State; Seth Hammock, Sam Houston State; Taylor Freeman, McNeese State

The hitter you least want to face is: Michael Rockett, UTSA

The most underrated hitter is: Lance Loftin, Texas State

The best base-runner is: Anthony Moore, Lamar

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Don Sanders Stadium, Sam Houston State

The best game coach is: Mark Johnson, Sam Houston State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jason Marshall, UTSA

* - unanimous selection