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 Mountain West (four of five coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: TCU

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Sean Carley, Air Force; Andrew Mitchell, TCU (right); Cole Swanson, San Diego State

The top closer is: no player received more than one vote

The pitcher you least want to face is: Sean Carley, Air Force

The most underrated pitcher is: Sean Carley, Air Force

The best defensive catcher is: Josh Elander, TCU

The best catcher arm is: Josh Elander, TCU

The best defensive infielder is: Alex Allbritton, New Mexico

The best infield arm is: Alex Allbritton, New Mexico

The best defensive outfielder is: Brance Rivera, TCU

The best outfield arm is: Brance Rivera, TCU

Rank the three best pure hitters: Brandon Bayardi, UNLV (right); Josh Elander, TCU; Jason Coats, TCU; D.J. Peterson, New Mexico

Rank the three biggest power threats: Brandon Bayardi, UNLV; Garrett Custons, Air Force; Josh Elander, TCU

The hitter you least want to face is: Brandon Bayardi, UNLV

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Trent Cook, UNLV

The most underrated hitter is: D.J. Peterson, New Mexico

The best base-runner is: Cody Smith, San Diego State

The best game coach is: (tie) Ray Birmingham, New Mexico; and Jim Schlossnagle, TCU

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Mark Martinez, San Diego State

(photos courtesy of TCU & UNLV Media Relations Offices)