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 Southern Conference (10 of 11 coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Georgia Southern

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Chris Beck, Georgia Southern; Ryan Arrowood, Appalachian State; Josh Renfro, College of Charleston

The top closer is: Lex Rutledge, Samford (right)

The pitcher you least want to face is: Chris Beck, Georgia Southern

The most underrated pitcher is: (tie) Ryan Arrowood, Appalachian State; and Cash Collins, Wofford

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) Jeremy Dowdy, Appalachian State; and Brad Moss, Samford

The best catcher arm is: Alex Swim, Elon

The best defensive infielder is: Eric Phillips, Georgia Southern

The best infield arm is: Eric Phillips, Georgia Southern

The best defensive outfielder is: Tyler Zupcic, Appalachian State

The best outfield arm is: Phillip Ervin, Samford

Rank the three best pure hitters: Ross Heffley, Western Carolina (right); Eric Phillips, Georgia Southern; Victor Roache, Georgia Southern

Rank the three biggest power threats: Victor Roache, Georgia Southern; Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston; Mac Doyle, Wofford

The hitter you least want to face is: Victor Roache, Georgia Southern

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Ross Heffley, Western Carolina

The most underrated hitter is: (tie) Drew Gadaire, Davidson; and Marty Gantt, College of Charleston

The best base-runner is: Marty Gantt, College of Charleston; and Eric Phillips, Georgia Southern

The best game coach is: Mike Kennedy, Elon

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: Greg Starbuck, Elon

(photos courtesy of Samford & WCU Media Relations Offices)