Feb. 12, 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 West Coast Conference (six out of eight coaches participated).

The team to beat is: San Diego

The top three starting pitchers are: Kyle Blair, San Diego (pictured right); Cole Cook, Pepperdine; Matt Bywater, Pepperdine; A.J. Griffin, San Diego

The top closer is: Zach Varce, Portland

The one pitcher you don’t want to face is: Kyle Blair, San Diego; and Nate Garcia, Santa Clara

The most underrated pitcher is: Doug Murray, San Francisco

The best defensive catcher is: Tommy Medica, Santa Clara*

The best catcher arm is: Tommy Medica, Santa Clara

The best defensive infielder is: no player received more than one vote

The best defensive outfielder is: Drew Heid, Gonzaga

The three best pure hitters are: Troy Channing, Saint Mary’s*; Drew Heid, Gonzaga; James Meador, San Diego

The three biggest power threats are: Troy Channing, Saint Mary’s*; James Meador, San Diego; Victor Sanchez, San Diego

The hitter you least want to face is: Troy Channing, Saint Mary’s*

The most underrated hitter is: Zach Walters, San Diego

The best base-runner is: Drew Heid, Gonzaga; Kevin Muno, San Diego; Derek Poppert, San Francisco

Your favorite road stadium to visit is: Washington Trust Field at Patterson Baseball Complex, Gonzaga

The best game coach is: Nino Giarratano, San Francisco

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jay Johnson, San Diego

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of USD Media Relations Office)