Feb. 6, 2013

Rivals UNC, NC State Dream Big

ACC Preseason Coaches' Poll

 

North Carolina is team to beat in ACC

 

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2013 college baseball season by sharing their thoughts on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. click here for CBI Conference Previews

 

Today, we take a look at the ACC (nine of 12 coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

 

The team to beat: North Carolina

 

The top starting pitchers: *Carlos Rodon, NC State; Kent Emanuel, North Carolina; Buck Farmer, Georgia Tech

 

The top closer: A.J. Salcines, Miami (right)

 

The pitcher you least want to face: Carlos Rodon, NC State

 

The most underrated pitcher: Daniel Gossett, Clemson; Brandon Leibrandt, Florida State

 

The best defensive catcher: Zane Evans, Georgia Tech; Stephen McGee, Florida State

 

The best catcher arm: Zane Evans, Georgia Tech

 

The best defensive infielder: Justin Gonzalez, Florida State; Chad Pinder, Virginia Tech

 

The best infield arm: Colin Moran, North Carolina

 

The best defensive outfielder: Brett Williams, NC State

 

The best outfield arm: Brandon Thomas, Georgia Tech

 

The best pure hitters: *Colin Moran, North Carolina; Brandon Thomas, Georgia Tech; Trea Turner, NC State

 

The biggest power threats: *Daniel Palka, Georgia Tech (right); Tyler Horan, Virginia Tech; Derek Fisher, Virginia

 

The hitter you least want to face: Colin Moran, North Carolina

 

The toughest hitter to strike out: Mark Zagunis, Virginia Tech

 

The most underrated hitter: Tom Bourdon, Boston College

 

The best baserunner: Trea Turner, NC State

 

The best game coach: Mike Martin, Florida State

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Kevin McMullan, Virginia

 

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of HurricaneSports.com & Georgia Tech Media Relations Office)