Feb. 1, 2013

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 America East (all six coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

The team to beat: Stony Brook

The top starting pitchers: Brandan McNitt, Stony Brook; Jake Lambert, Binghamton; Shaun Coughlin, Maine

The top closer: Mike Connolly, Maine

The pitcher you least want to face: Brandan McNitt, Stony Brook

The most underrated pitcher: Austin Chase, Albany (right)

The best defensive catcher: Kevin Krause, Stony Brook

The best catcher arm: Kevin Krause, Stony Brook

The best defensive infielder: Michael Fransoso, Maine; Cole Peragine, Stony Brook

The best infield arm: Michael Fransoso, Maine; Cole Peragine, Stony Brook

The best defensive outfielder: Nolan Gaige, Albany

The best outfield arm: Nolan Gaige, Albany

The best pure hitters: Michael Fransoso (right), Maine; Nolan Gaige, Albany; D.J. Hoagboon, Albany

The biggest power threats: Fran Whitten, Maine; Kevin Krause, Stony Brook; Alex Calbick, Maine; Michael Fransoso, Maine; Josh Nethaway, Albany

The hitter you least want to face: Michael Fransoso, Maine

The toughest hitter to strike out: Nolan Gaige, Albany

The most underrated hitter: Troy Black, Maine

The best baserunner: Michael Fransoso, Maine

The best game coach: Matt Senk, Stony Brook

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Ryan Hurba, Binghamton; Joe Pennucci, Stony Brook

(photos courtesy of Albany & Maine Media Relations Offices)