Feb. 18, 2010

click here for coaches' Big West preseason poll

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 West (eight out of nine coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Cal State Fullerton

The top three starting pitchers are: Daniel Bibona, UC Irvine*; Daniel Renken, Cal State Fullerton; Noe Ramirez, Cal State Fullerton

The top closer is: Eric Pettis, UC Irvine* (pictured left)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Daniel Bibona, UC Irvine

The most underrated pitcher is: Christian Bergman, UC Irvine

The best defensive catcher is: Francis Larson, UC Irvine

The best catcher arm is: Francis Larson, UC Irvine, and Joe Oliveira, Pacific

The best defensive infielder is: Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton*

The best defensive outfielder is: Gary Brown, Cal State Fullerton

The three best pure hitters are: Matt Jensen, Cal Poly* (pictured right); J.B. Brown, Pacific; Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton

The three biggest power threats are: Matt Jensen, Cal Poly; Nick Longmire, Pacific; Francis Larson, UC Irvine

The hitter you least want to face is: Matt Jensen, Cal Poly

The most underrated hitter is: Nick Longmire, Pacific

The best base-runner is: Gary Brown, Cal State Fullerton

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Goodwin Field, Cal State Fullerton

The best game coach is: Mike Gillespie, UC Irvine*

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Troy Buckley, Long Beach State

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of UC Irvine and Cal Poly Media Relations Offices)