Jan. 31, 2012

CollegeBaseballInsider.com asked college coaches around the country to preview the 2012 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 (seven of 13 coaches responded).

The team to beat:  Charlotte

The top starting pitchers: Andrew Smith, Charlotte (right); Burny Mitchem, Dayton; Tyler Barnette, Charlotte

The top closer: Pat Christensen, La Salle

The pitcher you least want to face: Andrew Smith, Charlotte

The most underrated pitcher: Alex Alemann, Saint Louis

The best defensive catcher: Eddie Palmer, Saint Joseph’s

The best catcher arm: (tie) Eddie Palmer, Saint Joseph’s; and Ross Steedley, Charlotte

The best defensive infielder: (tie) Mike LeBel, Rhode Island; and Brian Blasik, Dayton

The best infield arm: no player received more than one vote

The best defensive outfielder: Shane Brown, Charlotte

The best outfield arm: no player received more than one vote

The best pure hitters: Brian Blasik, Dayton; Steve Nikorak, Temple (right); Jeff Cammans, Rhode Island; C.J. Gillman, Dayton; Greg Kumpel, Saint Joseph’s

The biggest power threats: Steve Nikorak, Temple; Chris Cowell, Richmond; Greg Kumpel, Saint Joseph’s

The hitter you least want to face: Steve Nikorak, Temple

The toughest hitter to strike out: Jeff Cammans, Rhode Island

The most underrated hitter: Brian Bruening, Xavier

The best base-runner: Mike LeBel, Rhode Island

The best game coach: (tie) Jim Foster, Rhode Island; and Loren Hibbs, Charlotte

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Brandon Hall, Charlotte

(photos courtesy of Charlotte & Temple Media Relations Offices)