Feb. 12, 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 Missouri Valley Conference (all eight coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

2012 regular season champion: Indiana State

2012 tournament champion: Creighton

The team to beat: Missouri State

The top starting pitchers: *Sean Manaea, Indiana State (right); *Nick Petree, Missouri State; Cody Forsythe, Southern Illinois

The top closer: Tyler Burgess, Missouri State

The pitcher you least want to face: Nick Petree, Missouri State

The most underrated pitcher: Ryan Billo, Evansville; Cody Forsythe, Southern Illinois; Kyle Lloyd, Evansville

The best defensive catcher: Austin Jarvis, Bradley

The best catcher arm: Austin Jarvis, Bradley

The best defensive infielder: Alex Staehely, Creighton

The best infield arm: Koby Kraemer, Indiana State

The best defensive outfielder: Chad Hinshaw, Illinois State

The best outfield arm: Robby Ort, Indiana State

The best pure hitters: Robby Ort, Indiana State; Eric Aguilera, Illinois State, Johnny Coy, Wichita State (right)

The biggest power threats: *Johnny Coy, Wichita State; Casey Gillaspie, Wichita State; Robby Ort, Indiana State

The hitter you least want to face: Johnny Coy, Wichita State

The toughest hitter to strike out: Keenen Maddox, Missouri State; Jake Welch, Southern Illinois

The most underrated hitter: Zac Johnson, Illinois State

The best baserunner: Chad Hinshaw, Illinois State

The best game coach: Ed Servais, Creighton

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Jim Thomas, Wichita State

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of ISU & WSU Media Relations)