Feb. 1, 2011

click here for feature on Loren Hibbs of Charlotte

click here for coaches' Atlantic 10 preseason poll

 

Charlotte should shine in Atlantic 10

 

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2011 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 Atlantic 10 (eight of 13 coaches responded).

  

The team to beat is: Charlotte

 

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Max Krakowiak, Fordham (pictured right); Cameron Hobson, Dayton; Corey Roberts, Charlotte

 

The top closer is: Bryan Hamilton, Charlotte

 

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Bryan Hamilton, Charlotte; and Max Krakowiak, Fordham

 

The most underrated pitcher is: Alex Alemann, Saint Louis

 

The best defensive catcher is: Chris Walker, Fordham

 

The best catcher arm is: Chris Walker, Fordham

 

The best defensive infielder is: Phil Bauer, Xavier

 

The best infield arm is: Mike LeBel, Rhode Island

 

The best defensive outfielder is: John McCambridge, Xavier

 

The best outfield arm is: Justin Wilson, Charlotte

 

Rank the three best pure hitters: Tom Coulombe, Rhode Island; Ben Thomas, Xavier (pictured right); (tie) Corey Shaylor, Charlotte; and Chris Walker, Fordham

 

Rank the three biggest power threats: Billy Barber, Richmond; Jon Myers, Saint Louis; Ben Thomas, Xavier

 

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Jon Myers, Saint Louis; Ben Thomas, Xavier; and Chris Walker, Fordham

 

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Chris Walker, Fordham

 

The most underrated hitter is: Chris Walker, Fordham

 

The best base-runner is: John McCambridge, Xavier

 

The best game coach is: Scott Googins, Xavier

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: (tie) Todd Linklater, Dayton; and Ryan Wheeler, Richmond

 

(photos courtesy of Fordham and Xavier Media Relations Offices)