Feb. 8, 2010

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2010 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 Big Ten (eight out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Ohio State

The top three starting pitchers are: Alex Wimmers, Ohio State*; Matt Bischoff, Purdue; Blake Monar, Indiana; Seth Rosin, Minnesota

The top closer is: Scott Matyas, Minnesota* (pictured right)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Alex Wimmers, Ohio State

The most underrated pitcher is: Eric Jokisch, Northwestern

The best defensive catcher is: Dan Burkhart, Ohio State

The best catcher arm is: Aaron Johnson, Illinois

The best defensive infielder is: A.J. Pettersen, Minnesota

The best defensive outfielder is: Michael Stephens, Ohio State

The three best pure hitters are: Alex Dickerson, Indiana (pictured right); Ryan LaMarre, Michigan; Dan Burkhart, Ohio State; Ryan Dew, Ohio State

The three biggest power threats are: Alex Dickerson, Indiana*; Mike Dufek, Michigan; Michael Kvasnicka, Minnesota; Ryan LaMarre, Michigan; Michael Stephens, Ohio State

The hitter you least want to face is: Dan Burkhart, Ohio State; and Alex Dickerson, Indiana

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

The best base-runner is: Blake Lynd, Penn State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, Penn State

The best game coach is: John Anderson, Minnesota

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Rob Fornasiere, Minnesota

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Indiana and Minnesota Media Relations Offices)