Feb. 15, 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 Southland Conference (six of 12 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Texas State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Seth Webster, Nicholls (right); Casey Selsor, UTSA; Colin Bear, Northwestern State; Caleb Smith, Sam Houston State

The top closer is: Stefan Lopez, Southeastern Louisiana

The pitcher you least want to face is: Seth Webster, Nicholls

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

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) Jarid Scarafiotti, Stephen F. Austin; and Andrew Stumph, Texas State

The best catcher arm is: Jarid Scarafiotti, Stephen F. Austin

The best defensive infielder is: Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin

The best infield arm is: Ryan Dalton, UTSA

The best defensive outfielder is: Daniel Rockett, UTSA

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

Rank the three best pure hitters: Casey Kalenkosky, Texas State; Riley Good, UTSA; Preston Beck, UT Arlington

Rank the three biggest power threats: Casey Kalenkosky, Texas State; Ryan Dalton, UTSA; Jeff McVaney, Texas State; Andrew Stumph, Texas State

The hitter you least want to face is: Casey Kalenkosky, Texas State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Tyler Sibley, Texas State

The most underrated hitter is: Seth Granger, McNeese State

The best base-runner is: (tie) Jonathan Davis, Central Arkansas; and Tyler Sibley, Texas State

The best game coach is: (tie) Johnny Cardenas, Stephen F. Austin; and Ty Harrington, Texas State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Jason Marshall, UTSA

(photo courtesy of Nicholls Media Relations Offices)