Feb. 9, 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 MEAC (eight of nine coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Bethune-Cookman

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Scott Garner, Bethune-Cookman; Jordan Elliott, Delaware State (right); Ryan Shook, Norfolk State

The top closer is: Jordan Daily, Bethune-Cookman

The pitcher you least want to face is: Scott Garner, Bethune-Cookman

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Jordan Egan, Norfolk State; and Jordan Elliott, Delaware State

The best defensive catcher is: Cameron Cecil, Delaware State

The best catcher arm is: Cameron Cecil, Delaware State

The best defensive infielder is: Brashad Johnson, Bethune-Cookman

The best infield arm is: Brashad Johnson, Bethune-Cookman

The best defensive outfielder is: Brandon Turner, Bethune-Cookman

The best outfield arm is: (tie) David Lee, Bethune-Cookman; and Marquis Riley, North Carolina A&T

Rank the three best pure hitters: Scott Davis, Delaware State; Brashad Johnson, Bethune-Cookman; Marquis Riley, North Carolina A&T; Luke Tendler, North Carolina A&T

Rank the three biggest power threats: Kelvin Freeman, North Carolina A&T; Nick Johnson, Bethune-Cookman; Ryan Haas, Delaware State

The hitter you least want to face is: (tie) Marquis Riley, North Carolina A&T; and Luke Tendler, North Carolina A&T

The toughest hitter to strike out is: (tie) Scott Davis, Delaware State; and Marquis Riley, North Carolina A&T

The most underrated hitter is: Alejandro Sanchez, Bethune-Cookman

The best base-runner is: (tie) Carvell Copeland, North Carolina A&T; and Chris Kashangaki, Coppin State

The best game coach is: Claudell Clark, Norfolk State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Austin Love, North Carolina A&T

(photo courtesy of Delaware State Media Relations Office)