Feb. 4, 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 the Big Ten (nine of 11 coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

The team to beat: Indiana

The top starting pitchers: Jaron Long, Ohio State; Joey DeNato, Indiana; Steven Hill, Penn State

The top closer: Josh Dezse, Ohio State (right)

The pitcher you least want to face: Josh Dezse, Ohio State; David Garner, Michigan State

The most underrated pitcher: Brandon Magallones, Northwestern

The best defensive catcher: Joel Fisher, Michigan State; Matt Halloran, Minnesota; John Martinez, Michigan State

The best catcher arm: Joel Fisher, Michigan State

The best defensive infielder: Chad Christensen, Nebraska; Thomas Lindauer, Illinois

The best infield arm: Josh Scheffert, Nebraska

The best defensive outfielder: Patrick Biondi, Michigan

The best outfield arm: Michael O’Neill Michigan

The best pure hitters: Michael Pritchard, Nebraska (right); Sam Travis, Indiana; Michael O’Neill, Michigan

The biggest power threats: Sam Travis, Indiana; Chad Christensen, Nebraska; Michael O’Neill, Michigan

The hitter you least want to face: Sam Travis, Indiana

The toughest hitter to strike out: Mchael Pritchard, Nebraska

The most underrated hitter: Jordan Keur, Michigan State; Stephen Talbott, Purdue

The best baserunner: Patrick Biondi, Michigan

The best game coach: Jake Boss, Michigan State

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Jeff Duncan, Purdue

(photos courtesy of OSU & NU Media Relations Offices)