Feb. 3, 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 Big 12 (six of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat:  Texas

The top starting pitchers: Michael Wacha, Texas A&M; Ross Stripling, Texas A&M; Sam Stafford, Texas

The top closer: Corey Knebel, Texas (right)

The pitcher you least want to face: Ross Stripling, Texas A&M

The most underrated pitcher: no player received more than one vote

The best defensive catcher: Jacob Felts, Texas

The best catcher arm: Jacob Felts, Texas

The best defensive infielder: Caleb Bushyhead, Oklahoma

The best infield arm: Reid Redman, Texas Tech

The best defensive outfielder: Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M

The best outfield arm: Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M

The best pure hitters: Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M; Erich Weiss, Texas; Max Muncy, Baylor

The biggest power threats: Barrett Barnes, Texas Tech (right); Max Muncy, Baylor; Mark Ginther, Oklahoma State

The hitter you least want to face: (tie) Barrett Barnes, Texas Tech; and Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M

The toughest hitter to strike out: Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M

The most underrated hitter: Mark Payton, Texas

The best base-runner: Jamodrick McGruder, Texas Tech

The best game coach: Augie Garrido

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Tim Tadlock, Texas Tech

(photos courtesy of Texas & Texas Tech Media Relations Offices)