Feb. 11, 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 Northeast Conference (seven of nine coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

2012 regular season champion: Bryant

2012 tournament champion: Sacred Heart

The team to beat: Bryant

The top starting pitchers: Peter Kelich, Bryant; Justin Topa, LIU Brooklyn (right); Kevin McAvoy, Bryant

The top closer: Salvatore Lisanti, Bryant

The pitcher you least want to face: Peter Kelich, Bryant; Justin Topa, LIU Brooklyn

The most underrated pitcher: Derek Lamacchia, Quinnipiac; Jordan Wilcox, LIU Brooklyn

The best defensive catcher: Kyle Perry, Monmouth

The best catcher arm: Kyle Perry, Monmouth

The best defensive infielder: John Murphy, Sacred Heart

The best infield arm: John Murphy, Sacred Heart

The best defensive outfielder: Ian Miller, Wagner

The best outfield arm: Dylan DelaCruz, CCSU

The best pure hitters: J.P. Sportman, CCSU (right); Pete Leonello, LIU Brooklyn; John Murphy, Sacred Heart

The biggest power threats: Tyler McIntyre, CCSU; J.P. Sportman, CCSU; Kevin Brown, Bryant

The hitter you least want to face: John Murphy, Sacred Heart; J.P. Sportman, CCSU

The toughest hitter to strike out: Jordan Ritz, Fairleigh Dickinson

The most underrated hitter: Ian Miller, Wagner

The best baserunner: John Murphy, Sacred Heart

The best game coach: Dean Ehehalt, Monmouth

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Pat Hall, CCSU; Wayne Mazzoni, Sacred Heart

(photos courtesy of LIU Brooklyn & CCSU Media Relations)