Feb. 16, 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 Sun Belt (five of 10 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Troy

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Tyler Ray, Troy; Tanner Perkins, Western Kentucky; Justin Hageman, Western Kentucky

The top closer is: Hugh Adams, Florida Atlantic (right)

The pitcher you least want to face is: Tyler Ray, Troy

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Justin Hageman, Western Kentucky; and Jacob Lee, Arkansas State

The best defensive catcher is: Mike Albaladejo, Florida Atlantic

The best catcher arm is: Mike Albaladejo, Florida Atlantic

The best defensive infielder is: Tyler Hannah, Troy

The best infield arm is: Tyler Hannah, Troy

The best defensive outfielder is: Pablo Bermudez, FIU

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

Rank the three best pure hitters: Pablo Bermudez, FIU (right); Tyler Hannah, Troy; Jared Andreoli, Western Kentucky

Rank the three biggest power threats: Mike Martinez, FIU; Rudy Flores, FIU; Joey Rapp, ULM

The hitter you least want to face is: Pablo Bermudez, FIU

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Michael Faulkner, Arkansas State

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

The best base-runner is: (tie) Les Aulds, ULM; and Michael Faulkner, Arkansas State

The best game coach is: (tie) Steve Peterson, Middle Tennessee; and Bobby Pierce, Troy

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Anthony Babineaux, Louisiana-Lafayette

(photos courtesy of FAU & FIU Media Relations Offices)