Feb. 14, 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 West Conference (nine of 10 coaches responded).

Additions: Hawaii

Departures: none

2012 champion: Cal State Fullerton 

The team to beat: Cal State Fullerton

The top starting pitchers: *Andrew Thurman, UC Irvine; Andrew Vasquez, UC Santa Barbara; Joey Wagman, Cal Poly

The top closer: *Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The pitcher you least want to face: Andrew Thurman, UC Irvine

The most underrated pitcher: Reed Reilly, Cal Poly; Dylan Stuart, UC Riverside

The best defensive catcher: Chris Hoo, Cal Poly

The best catcher arm: Chris Hoo, Cal Poly; Ronnie Shaeffer, UC Irvine; A.J. Kennedy, Cal State Fullerton

The best defensive infielder: Richy Pedroza, Cal State Fullerton

The best infield arm: Matt Chapman, Cal State Fullerton

The best defensive outfielder: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best outfield arm: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best pure hitters: Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton; Brandon Trinkwon, UC Santa Barbara; Jimmy Allen, Cal Poly

The biggest power threats: J.D. Davis, Cal State Fullerton; Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton; David Armendariz, Cal Poly (right); Matt Chapman, Cal State Fullerton

The hitter you least want to face: Carlos Lopez, Cal State Fullerton

The toughest hitter to strike out: Richy Pedroza, Cal State Fullerton

The most underrated hitter: Jimmy Allen, Cal Poly; Paul Politi, UC Davis

The best baserunner: Richy Pedroza, Cal State Fullerton; Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

The best game coach: Mike Gillespie, UC Irvine

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Mike Kirby, Cal State Fullerton; Pat Shine, UC Irvine

*unanimous selection

(photo courtesy of Cal Poly Media Relations)