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 Missouri Valley Conference (all eight coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Missouri State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Ty Blach, Creighton (right); Nick Petree, Missouri State; Cody Forsythe, Southern Illinois

The top closer is: Kenny Long, Illinois State

The pitcher you least want to face is: Ty Blach, Creighton

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Joe Bircher, Bradley; and Josh Smith, Wichita State

The best defensive catcher is: Jeremy Lucas, Indiana State

The best catcher arm is: Matt Mirabal, Illinois State

The best defensive infielder is: Eric Stamets, Evansville

The best infield arm is: Eric Stamets, Evansville

The best defensive outfielder is: Kevin Hall, Wichita State

The best outfield arm is: Robby Ort, Indiana State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State; Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois; Robby Ort, Indiana State

Rank the three biggest power threats: Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois; Robby Ort, Indiana State; Brock Chaffin, Missouri State

The hitter you least want to face is: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Kevin Medrano, Missouri State

The most underrated hitter is: no player received more than one vote

The best base-runner is: Eric Stamets, Evansville

The best game coach is: Gene Stephenson, Wichita State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jim Thomas, Wichita State

(photo courtesy of Creighton Media Relations Office)