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 Southeastern Conference (12 of 14 coaches responded).

Additions: Missouri, Texas A&M

Departures: none

2012 division champions: LSU, South Carolina

2012 tournament champion: Mississippi State

The team to beat: Arkansas, Vanderbilt

The top starting pitchers: Ryne Stanek, Arkansas; Jonathon Crawford, Florida; Corey Littrell, Kentucky (right); Bobby Wahl, Ole Miss

The top closer: Barrett Astin, Arkansas

The pitcher you least want to face: Ryne Stanek, Arkansas

The most underrated pitcher: Corey Littrell, Kentucky; Mike Mayers, Ole Miss; Aaron Nola, LSU; Colby Suggs, Arkansas

The best defensive catcher: Grayson Greiner, South Carolina

The best catcher arm: Grayson Greiner, South Carolina

The best defensive infielder: Adam Frazier, Mississippi State

The best infield arm: Joey Pankake, South Carolina

The best defensive outfielder: Austin Cousino, Kentucky

The best outfield arm: Hunter Renfroe, Mississippi State

The best pure hitters: Raph Rhymes, LSU (right); Austin Cousino, Kentucky; Dominic Ficociello, Arkansas

The biggest power threats: Mason Katz, LSU; Hunter Cole, Georgia; Conrad Gregor, Vanderbilt; A.J. Reed, Kentucky

The hitter you least want to face: Austin Cousino, Kentucky; Raph Rhymes, LSU

The toughest hitter to strike out: Raph Rhymes, LSU

The most underrated hitter: Ryan Tella, Auburn

The best baserunner: Tony Kemp, Vanderbilt

The best game coach: Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt; Kevin O’Sullivan; Florida; Dave Van Horn, Arkansas

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Todd Butler, Arkansas

(photos courtesy of UK & LSU Media Relations)