Feb. 15, 2010

click here for feature on Tim Esmay of Arizona State

click here for coaches' Pac-10 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 Pac-10 Conference (five out of 10 coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Arizona State

The top three starting pitchers are: Josh Spence, Arizona State*; Gerrit Cole, UCLA; Brett Mooneyham, Stanford

The top closer is: Kevin Rhoderick, Oregon State* (pictured right)

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Gerrit Cole, UCLA

The most underrated pitcher is: Erik Johnson, California

The best defensive catcher is: Ben Clowe, Stanford

The best catcher arm is: Ben Clowe, Stanford

The best defensive infielder is: Jake Schlander, Stanford

The best defensive outfielder is: Matt Newman, Arizona State

The three best pure hitters are: Drew Maggi, Arizona State; Derek Jones, Washington State; Ricky Oropesa, USC; Troy Scott, Washington

The three biggest power threats are: Stefen Romero, Oregon State; Kellen Kiilsgaard, Stanford; Mark Canha, California

The hitter you least want to face is: Kellen Kiilsgaard, Stanford

The most underrated hitter is: Danny Oh, California

The best base-runner is: Raoul Torrez, Arizona State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Dedeaux Field, USC; and Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, Stanford

The best game coach is: Mark Marquess, Stanford

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Dave Nakama, Washington

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of OSU and WSU Media Relations Offices)