Feb. 2, 2011

click here for feature on Paul Hoilman of ETSU

click here for coaches' Atlantic Sun preseason poll

click here for coaches' preseason All-Atlantic Sun team

 

Mercer moves to top in Atlantic Sun

 

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 Sun (eight of 11 coaches responded).

 

The team to beat is: Mercer

 

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Richie Erath, FGCU; Nate Woods, Belmont; Lindsey Caughel, Stetson

 

The top closer is: Chris Kaminski, Jacksonville (pictured right)

 

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Chris Kaminski, Jacksonville; and J.T. Odom, Mercer

 

The most underrated pitcher is: George Lott, UNF

 

The best defensive catcher is: Nick Rickles, Stetson

 

The best catcher arm is: (tie) Robert Greene, FGCU; Nick Rickles, Stetson; and Derek Trent, ETSU

 

The best defensive infielder is: Stephen Wickens, FGCU

 

The best infield arm is: Stephen Wickens, FGCU

 

The best defensive outfielder is: Dylan Craig, Belmont

 

The best outfield arm is: Spencer Theisen, Stetson

 

Rank the three best pure hitters: Paul Hoilman, ETSU; Dan Gulbransen, Jacksonville; Jacob Tanis, Mercer (pictured right)

 

Rank the three biggest power threats: *Paul Hoilman, ETSU; Jacob Tanis, Mercer; Adam Brett Walker, Jacksonville

 

The hitter you least want to face is: Paul Hoilman, ETSU

 

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Dylan Craig, Belmont

 

The most underrated hitter is: Dylan Craig, Belmont

 

The best base-runner is: Billy Burns, Mercer

 

The best game coach is: Dave Tollet, FGCU

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Tim Montez, Jacksonville

 

*unanimous selection

 

(photos courtesy of Jacksonville and Mercer Media Relations Offices)