Feb. 19, 2010

click here for coaches' SEC 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 SEC (10 out of 12 coaches participated).

The team to beat is:  LSU

The top three starting pitchers are: Anthony Ranaudo, LSU* (pictured left); Drew Pomeranz, Ole Miss; James Paxton, Kentucky

The top closer is: Matty Ott, LSU

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Drew Pomeranz, Ole Miss

The most underrated pitcher is: Sam Dyson, South Carolina; and Justin Grimm, Georgia

The best defensive catcher is: Micah Gibbs, LSU*

The best catcher arm is: Micah Gibbs, LSU

The best defensive infielder is: Jake Smith, Alabama

The best defensive outfielder is: Matt den Dekker, Florida

The three best pure hitters are: Blake Dean, LSU; Preston Tucker, Florida (pictured right); Zack Cox, Arkansas

The three biggest power threats are: Nick Ebert, South Carolina; Cody Hawn, Tennessee; Andy Wilkins, Arkansas

The hitter you least want to face is: Preston Tucker, Florida

The most underrated hitter is: Whit Merrifield, South Carolina

The best base-runner is: Matt den Dekker, Florida

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Baum Stadium, Arkansas

The best game coach is: Ray Tanner, South Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Todd Butler, Arkansas

*unanimous selection

(Ranaudo photo by Jimmy Jones, Tucker photo courtesy of Florida Media Relations Office)