Feb. 15, 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 Missouri Valley Conference (five out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Wichita State

The top three starting pitchers are: Aaron Meade, Missouri State* (pictured right); Tim Kelley, Wichita State; Jordan Cooper, Wichita State

The top closer is: Bryant George, Southern Illinois*

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Aaron Meade, Missouri State

The most underrated pitcher is: Brandon Koenigstein, Creighton

The best defensive catcher is: Matt Mirabal, Illinois State

The best catcher arm is: Matt Mirabal, Illinois State

The best defensive infielder is: Elliot Soto, Creighton*

The best defensive outfielder is: Robbie Knight, Creighton

The three best pure hitters are: Robbie Knight, Creighton (pictured right); Travis Bennett, Wichita State; Ryan Strausborger, Indiana State

The three biggest power threats are: Cody Fick, Evansville; Tyler Bullock, Southern Illinois; T.J. Roemmich, Creighton

The hitter you least want to face is: Robbie Knight, Creighton

The most underrated hitter is: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State

The best base-runner is: Matt Fritz, Bradley; and Ryan Strausborger, Indiana State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Eck Stadium, Wichita State

The best game coach is: Ed Servais, Creighton; and Gene Stephenson, Wichita State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jim Thomas, Wichita State

*unanimous selection

(Meade photo courtesy of Missouri State Photographic Services)

(Knight photo courtesy of Creighton Media Relations Office)