Feb. 3, 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 Summit League (five out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: Oral Roberts*

The top three starting pitchers are: Boone Whiting, Centenary; Drew Bowen, Oral Roberts; Justin Kraft, Centenary

The top closer is: no pitcher received more than one vote.

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Boone Whiting, Centenary

The most underrated pitcher is: John Straka, North Dakota State

The best defensive catcher is: Seth Furmanek, Oral Roberts

The best catcher arm is: Seth Furmanek, Oral Roberts

The best defensive infielder is: Tyler Saladino, Oral Roberts

The best defensive outfielder is: Billy Stitz, South Dakota State

The three best pure hitters are: Seth Furmanek, Oral Roberts*; Jesse Sawyer, South Dakota State (pictured right); Tyler Garewal, Oral Roberts

The three biggest power threats are: Seth Furmanek, Oral Roberts; Bucky Aona, Southern Utah; Jesse Sawyer, South Dakota State

The hitter you least want to face is: Jesse Sawyer, South Dakota State

The most underrated hitter is: Joel Blake, South Dakota State

The best base-runner is: Billy Stitz, South Dakota State

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: J.L. Johnson Stadium, Oral Roberts

The best game coach is: Rob Walton, Oral Roberts

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mike Diaz, Centenary

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of SDSU Media Relations Office)