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 Western Athletic Conference (six of seven coaches responded).

The team to beat in your conference is: Fresno State

Rank the top three starting pitchers: Esteban Guzman, San Jose State; Matt Sisto, Hawaii; Ryan Beck, New Mexico State; Thomas Harlan, Fresno State

The top closer is: Zack Jones, San Jose State (right)

The pitcher you least want to face is: (tie) Esteban Guzman, San Jose State; and Zack Jones, San Jose State

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

The best defensive catcher is: (tie) Carlos Escobar Jr., Nevada; and Austin Wynns, Fresno State

The best catcher arm is: (tie) Carlos Escobar Jr., Nevada; and Trent Garrison, Fresno State

The best defensive infielder is: Ryan Gebhardt, Louisiana Tech

The best infield arm is: Braden Shipley, Nevada

The best defensive outfielder is: Aaron Judge, Fresno State

The best outfield arm is: Aaron Judge, Fresno State

Rank the three best pure hitters: Aaron Judge, Fresno State; Parker Hipp, New Mexico State (right); Zack Jones, San Jose State

Rank the three biggest power threats: Aaron Judge, Fresno State; Parker Hipp, New Mexico State; Zac Fisher, New Mexico State

The hitter you least want to face is: Aaron Judge, Fresno State

The toughest hitter to strike out is: Parker Hipp, New Mexico State

The most underrated hitter is: Austin Wynns, Fresno State

The best base-runner is: Andrew Rodriguez, San Jose State

The best game coach is: (tie) Mike Batesole, Fresno State; and Sam Piraro, San Jose State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job is: no coach received more than one vote

(photos courtesy of SJSU & NMSU Media Relations Offices)