Feb. 18, 2013

 

Southern stands out in the SWAC

 

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 SWAC (five of 10 coaches responded).

No change in membership from 2012

2012 division champions: Jackson State, Southern

2012 tournament champion: Prairie View A&M

 

The team to beat: Southern

 

The top starting pitchers: *Jose De Leon, Southern; Desmond Russell, Jackson State; Joel Alvira, Alabama State

 

The top closer: *Josh Powell, Southern

 

The pitcher you least want to face: Jose De Leon, Southern

 

The most underrated pitcher: Kameron Stady, Mississippi Valley State

 

The best defensive catcher: Richard Gonzalez, Alabama State

 

The best catcher arm: Jose Longoria, Grambling State

 

The best defensive infielder: Angel Rosa, Alcorn State

 

The best infield arm: Angel Rosa, Alcorn State

 

The best defensive outfielder: no player received more than one vote

 

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

 

The best pure hitters: Stephen Wallace, Southern; Dominiq Harris, Prairie View A&M; Derrick Hopkins, Southern, Angel Rosa, Alcorn State

 

The biggest power threats: Stephen Wallace, Southern; Derrick Hopkins, Southern; Brian Rowry, Southern

 

The hitter you least want to face: Stephen Wallace, Southern

 

The toughest hitter to strike out: no player received more than one vote

 

The most underrated hitter: Dominiq Harris, Prairie View A&M

 

The best baserunner: Brandyn Crutcher, Alabama A&M

 

The best game coach: Roger Cador, Southern

 

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Marqus Johnson, Texas Southern; Fernando Puebla, Southern

 


* unanimous selection