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 Southern Conference (nine of 11 coaches responded).

No changes in membership from 2012

2012 regular season champions: Appalachian State, College of Charleston

2012 tournament champion: Samford

The team to beat: Elon

The top starting pitchers: *Matt Pegler, College of Charleston (right); Jordan Smith, Western Carolina; Dylan Clark, Elon

The top closer: C.K. Irby, Samford

The pitcher you least want to face: Matt Pegler, College of Charleston

The most underrated pitcher: Brandon Yarusi, Wofford

The best defensive catcher: Alex Swim, Elon

The best catcher arm: Alex Swim, Elon

The best defensive infielder: Will Callaway, Appalachian State; Hector Crespo, Appalachian State

The best infield arm: Will Callaway, Appalachian State

The best defensive outfielder: Phillip Ervin, Samford

The best outfield arm: Phillip Ervin, Samford; Tyler Zupcic, Appalachian State

The best pure hitters: Alex Swim, Elon; Phillip Ervin, Samford (right); Will Callaway, Appalachian State

The biggest power threats: Phillip Ervin, Samford; Brandon Murray, College of Charleston; Chase Griffin, Georgia Southern

The hitter you least want to face: Will Callaway, Appalachian State; Phillip Ervin, Samford

The toughest hitter to strike out: Alex Swim, Elon

The most underrated hitter: Tyler Zupcic, Appalachian State

The best baserunner: Hector Crespo, Appalachian State

The best game coach: Mike Kennedy, Elon

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Greg Starbuck Elon

(photos courtesy of CofC & Samford Media Relations)