Feb. 5, 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 East (eight of 11 coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

The team to beat: Louisville

The top starting pitchers: Jon Prosinski, Seton Hall; Jeff Thompson, Louisville; Sean Hagan, St. John’s; Jared Ruxer, Louisville

The top closer: Dan Slania, Notre Dame

The pitcher you least want to face: Jon Prosinski, Seton Hall

The most underrated pitcher: Pat Connaughton, Notre Dame

The best defensive catcher: Jeff Melillo, Rutgers; Elvin Soto Pittsburgh

The best catcher arm: Elvin Soto, Pittsburgh

The best defensive infielder: Sean O’Hare, St. John’s; Giuseppe Pappaccio, Seton Hall

The best infield arm: Giuseppe Pappaccio, Seton Hall

The best defensive outfielder: Adam Engel, Louisville

The best outfield arm: James Ramsay, USF

The best pure hitters: L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut (right); James Ramsay, USF; Justin Glass, Cincinnati

The biggest power threats: Trey Mancini, Notre Dame; Eric Jagielo, Notre Dame; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut

The hitter you least want to face: Eric Jagielo, Notre Dame; L.J. Mazzilli, Connecticut; James Ramsay, USF

The toughest hitter to strike out: Nick Ratajczak, Louisville

The most underrated hitter: Justin Glass, Cincinnati; Sean O’Hare, St. John’s

The best baserunner: Adam Engel, Louisville

The best game coach: Ed Blankmeyer, St. John’s; Lelo Prado, USF; Rob Sheppard, Seton Hall

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Phil Cundari, Seton Hall; Mike Hampton, St. John’s; Chris Lemonis, Louisville

(photo courtesy of UConn Athletic Communications)