Feb. 14, 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 Patriot League (all six coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Navy

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Ben Nelson, Navy; Nate Koneski, Holy Cross; Ryan Ebner, Bucknell

The top closer is: Cory Kent, Lehigh (right)

The pitcher you least want to face is: Ryan Ebner, Bucknell

The most underrated pitcher is: Alex Cillo, Bucknell

The best defensive catcher is: J.T. Watkins, Army

The best catcher arm is: J.T. Watkins, Army

The best defensive infielder is: (tie) Alex Maldonado, Holy Cross; Brendan McGaheran, Lehigh; Zach Price, Army

The best infield arm is: Alex Maldonado, Holy Cross

The best defensive outfielder is: Alex Azor, Navy

The best outfield arm is: no player received more than one vote

Rank the three best pure hitters: Bob Donato, Bucknell (right); Brendan McGaheran, Lehigh; Greg Dupell, Navy; Gerry Runyan, Bucknell

Rank the three biggest power threats: Bob Donato, Bucknell; Greg Dupell, Navy; Stephen Wadsworth, Holy Cross

The hitter you least want to face is: Bob Donato, Bucknell

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Alex Azor, Navy

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

The best base-runner is: Zach Price, Army

The best game coach is: Paul Kostacopoulos, Navy

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: (tie) Scott Heather, Bucknell; and Matt Reid, Army

(photos courtesy of Lehigh & Bucknell Media Relations Offices)