Feb. 19, 2009

click here for coaches' Sun Belt 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 Sun Belt Conference (eight out of 11 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Western Kentucky

The top three starting pitchers are: Matt Ridings, Western Kentucky*; Chase Ware, Arkansas State; Matt Jackson, South Alabama; Kenneth Roberts, Middle Tennessee

The top closer is: Josh Storm, Troy

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Matt Ridings, Western Kentucky

The most underrated pitcher is: Chase Ware, Arkansas State

The best defensive catcher is: J.B. Paxson, Western Kentucky

The best catcher arm is: J.B. Paxson, Western Kentucky

The best defensive infielder is: Ben Soignier, ULM

The best defensive outfielder is: Matt Hightower, Western Kentucky

The three best pure hitters are: Ben Soignier, ULM; Ryan Mollica, FIU; Chad Cregar, Western Kentucky

The three biggest power threats are: Chad Cregar, Western Kentucky* (pictured right); Rawley Bishop, Middle Tennessee; David Doss, South Alabama

The hitter you least want to face is: Chad Cregar, Western Kentucky

The most underrated hitter is: David Doss, South Alabama

The best base-runner is: Terrence Dayleg, Western Kentucky

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field, Louisiana-Lafayette

The best game coach is: Steve Peterson, Middle Tennessee (pictured on top)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mark Smartt, Troy

(photos courtesy of MTSU and WKU Media Relations Office)