Feb. 2, 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 East (seven of 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat: St. John’s

The top starting pitchers: Justin Amlung, Louisville (right); Kyle Hansen, St. John’s; Matt Iannazzo, Pittsburgh

The top closer: (tie) Matt Carasiti, St. John’s; and Ryan Harvey, Seton Hall

The pitcher you least want to face: (tie) Justin Amlung, Louisville; and Gebler, Rutgers

The most underrated pitcher: (tie) Matt Iannazzo, Pittsburgh; and Jon Prosinski, Seton Hall

The best defensive catcher: Joe Pavone, Connecticut

The best catcher arm: Joe Pavone, Connecticut

The best defensive infielder: (tie) Mike Garza, Georgetown; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut; and Matt Wessinger, St. John’s

The best infield arm: Matt Wessinger, St. John’s

The best defensive outfielder: no player received more than one vote

The best outfield arm: (tie) Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s; and Stewart Ijames, Louisville

The best pure hitters: Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut; Rand Ravnaas, Georgetown (right)

The biggest power threats: Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s; Trey Mancini, Notre Dame; Stewart Ijames, Louisville

The hitter you least want to face: Jeremy Baltz, St. John’s

The toughest hitter to strike out: L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut

The most underrated hitter: Rand Ravnaas, Georgetown

The best base-runner: Rand Ravnaas, Georgetown

The best game coach: Ed Blankmeyer, St. John’s

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Mike Hampton, St. John’s

(photos courtesy of Louisville & Georgetown Media Relations Offices)