Feb. 18, 2010

click here for feature on Mervyl Melendez

click here for coaches' MEAC preseason poll

click here for coaches' preseason All-MEAC team

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 MEAC (four out of seven coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Bethune-Cookman*

The top three starting pitchers are: Ali Simpson, Bethune-Cookman*; Esterlin Paulino, North Carolina A&T; Rayan Gonzalez, Bethune-Cookman

The top closer is: Chase Davenport, Norfolk State

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Ali Simpson, Bethune-Cookman

The most underrated pitcher is: Rayan Gonzalez, Bethune-Cookman

The best defensive catcher is: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The best catcher arm is: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The best defensive infielder is: Jared Jeffries, Florida A&M

The best defensive outfielder is: John Lynch, Norfolk State

The three best pure hitters are: C.J. Lauriello, Bethune-Cookman; George Hines, North Carolina A&T; Jared Jeffries, Florida A&M

The three biggest power threats are: Xavier Macklin, North Carolina A&T; C.J. Lauriello, Bethune-Cookman; Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman

The hitter you least want to face is: C.J. Lauriello, Bethune-Cookman

The most underrated hitter is: Chris Joyce, Norfolk State

The best base-runner is: Alejandro Jimenez, Bethune-Cookman

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Jackie Robinson Ballpark, Bethune-Cookman

The best game coach is: Mervyl Melendez, Bethune-Cookman

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jose Vazquez, Bethune-Cookman

*unanimous selection