Feb. 18, 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 Southland Conference (six of 10 coaches responded).

Additions: Oral Roberts

Departures: Texas State, UT Arlington, UTSA

2012 regular season champion: Sam Houston State

2012 tournament champion: UT Arlington

The team to beat: Sam Houston State

The top starting pitchers: Caleb Smith, Sam Houston State (right); Drew Bowen, Oral Roberts; Andro Cutura, Southeastern Louisiana

The top closer: Michael Clemens, McNeese State

The pitcher you least want to face: Caleb Smith, Sam Houston State

The most underrated pitcher: Eric Harrington, Lamar

The best defensive catcher: Nick Purdy, Northwestern State

The best catcher arm: Nick Purdy, Northwestern State

The best defensive infielder: Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin

The best infield arm: *Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin

The best defensive outfielder: Forrestt Allday, Central Arkansas

The best outfield arm: Mike Barba, Nicholls

The best pure hitters: Anthony Azar, Sam Houston State; Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin; Jose Trevino, Oral Roberts

The biggest power threats: Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin; Jonathan Gonzales, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (right); Jude Vidrine, Lamar

The hitter you least want to face: Hunter Dozier, Stephen F. Austin

The toughest hitter to strike out: Forrestt Allday, Central Arkansas

The most underrated hitter: no player received more than one vote

The best baserunner: Jonathan Davis, Central Arkansas

The best game coach: Jay Artigues, Southeastern Louisiana

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Jim Ricklefsen, Lamar

*unanimous selection

(photos courtesy of SHSU & TAMUCC Media Relations)