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 West (six of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat: Cal State Fullerton

The top starting pitchers: Matt Whitehouse, UC Irvine (right); Dylan Floro, Cal State Fullerton; Eddie Orozco, UC Riverside

The top closer: no player received more than one vote

The pitcher you least want to face: Matt Whitehouse, UC Irvine

The most underrated pitcher: Eddie Orozco, UC Riverside

The best defensive catcher: Ronnie Shaeffer, UC Irvine

The best catcher arm: Ronnie Shaeffer, UC Irvine

The best defensive infielder: D.J. Crumlich, UC Irvine

The best infield arm: D.J. Crumlich, UC Irvine

The best defensive outfielder: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best outfield arm: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best pure hitters: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton; Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton; Ino Patron, Long Beach State; David Popkins, UC Davis

The biggest power threats: Mitch Haniger, Cal Poly; Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton; Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton; Ronnie Shaeffer, UC Irvine

The hitter you least want to face: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The toughest hitter to strike out: no player received more than one vote

The most underrated hitter: Mike Miller, Cal Poly

The best base-runner: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best game coach: Mike Gillespie, UC Irvine

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Pat Shine, UC Irvine

(photo courtesy of UC Irvine Media Relations Office)