Feb. 4, 2011

click here for CBI feature on Virginia

click here for coaches' ACC preseason poll

 

Clemson claims role of favorite in ACC

 

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 ACC (nine of 12 coaches responded).

  

The team to beat is: Clemson

 

Rank the top three starting pitchers: *Danny Hultzen, Virginia; Jed Bradley, Georgia Tech (pictured right); Sean Gilmartin, Florida State

 

The top closer is: Mike McGee, Florida State

 

The pitcher you least want to face is: Danny Hultzen, Virginia

 

The most underrated pitcher is: Mark Pope, Georgia Tech

 

The best defensive catcher is: Rafael Lopez, Florida State

 

The best catcher arm is: Rafael Lopez, Florida State

 

The best defensive infielder is: Stephen Perez, Miami

 

The best infield arm is: Marcus Stroman, Duke

 

The best defensive outfielder is: (tie) Zeke DeVoss, Miami; and Nathan Melendres, Miami

 

The best outfield arm is: Mike McGee, Florida State

 

Rank the three best pure hitters: Brad Miller, Clemson (pictured right); Levi Michael, North Carolina; Matt Skole, Georgia Tech

 

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Matt Skole, Georgia Tech; Harold Martinez, Miami; Mike McGee, Florida State

 

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Harold Martinez, Miami; Mike McGee, Florida State; and Brad Miller, Clemson

 

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Keith Werman, Virginia

 

The most underrated hitter is: Tim Smalling, Virginia Tech

 

The best base-runner is: no player received more than one vote

 

The best game coach is: (tie) Jack Leggett, Clemson; and Mike Martin, Florida State

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Kevin McMullan, Virginia

 

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of Clemson and Georgia Tech Media Relations Offices)