Feb. 14, 2013

 

Army marches on in Patriot League

 

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 Patriot League (all six coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

2012 regular season champion: Army

2012 tournament champion: Army

 

The team to beat: Army

 

The top starting pitchers: *Chris Rowley, Army; Nick Dignacco, Army; Tom Marra, Holy Cross; Dan Weigel, Bucknell (right)

 

The top closer: John Colella, Holy Cross

 

The pitcher you least want to face: *Chris Rowley, Army

 

The most underrated pitcher: Bryson Hough, Bucknell; Donny Murray, Holy Cross

 

The best defensive catcher: Chris Cannon, Navy

 

The best catcher arm: no player received more than one vote

 

The best defensive infielder: *Alex Maldonado, Holy Cross

 

The best infield arm: Mike Ahmed, Holy Cross

 

The best defensive outfielder: Brandon Cipolla, Holy Cross

 

The best outfield arm: no player received more than one vote

 

The best pure hitters: Mike Ahmed, Holy Cross (right); Greg Dupell, Navy; Kevin Casey, Lafayette; Harold Earls, Army

 

The biggest power threats: *Mike Ahmed, Holy Cross; Greg Dupell, Navy; Brandon Cipolla, Holy Cross; Travis Clark, Bucknell; Jordan Enos, Holy Cross

 

The hitter you least want to face: Mike Ahmed, Holy Cross; Greg Dupell, Navy

 

The toughest hitter to strike out: Harold Earls, Army

 

The most underrated hitter: Kevin Casey, Lafayette

 

The best baserunner: Harold Earls, Army

 

The best game coach: Greg DiCenzo, Holy Cross; Joe Sottolano; Army

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Matt Reid, Army

 

*unanimous selection

 

(photos courtesy of Bucknell & Holy Cross Media Relations)