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 SEC (all 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Florida

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Michael Roth, South Carolina; Hudson Randall, Florida; D.J. Baxendale, Arkansas (right)

The top closer is: Matt Price, South Carolina

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Hudson Randall, Florida; and Michael Roth, South Carolina

The most underrated pitcher is: D.J. Baxendale, Arkansas

The best defensive catcher is: Mike Zunino, Florida

The best catcher arm is: Mike Zunino, Florida

The best defensive infielder is: Nolan Fontana, Florida

The best infield arm is: Austin Nola, LSU

The best defensive outfielder is: Taylor Dugas, Alabama

The best outfield arm is: Peter Verdin, Georgia

Rank the three best pure hitters: Taylor Dugas, Alabama (right); Preston Tucker, Florida; Mike Zunino, Florida

Rank the three biggest power threats: Mike Zunino, Florida; Preston Tucker, Florida; Christian Walker, South Carolina

The hitter you least want to face is: Preston Tucker, Florida

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Taylor Dugas, Alabama

The most underrated hitter is: (tie) Taylor Dugas, Alabama; and Anthony Gomez, Vanderbilt

The best base-runner is: Tony Kemp, Vanderbilt

The best game coach is: Ray Tanner, South Carolina

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Todd Butler, Arkansas

(photos courtesy of Arkansas & Alabama Media Relations Offices)