Feb. 3, 2014

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2014 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 Atlantic 10 (six coaches responded).

Additions: George Mason

Departures: Butler, Charlotte, Temple, Xavier

The team to beat: Saint Louis

The top starting pitchers: Heath Dwyer (VCU)*; Clay Smith (Saint Louis); Steve Moyers (Rhode Island); Anthony Montefusco (George Mason)

The top closer: Matt Lees (VCU)

The pitcher you least want to face: Clay Smith (Saint Louis)

The most underrated pitcher: No player received more than one vote

The best defensive catcher: Brian O’Keefe (Saint Joseph’s)

The best catcher arm: Brian O’Keefe (Saint Joseph’s)

The best defensive infielder: Vimael Machin (VCU)

The best infield arm: Alec Sole (Saint Louis)

The best defensive outfielder: Bill Cullen (VCU); Tanner Stanley (Richmond)

The best outfield arm: Bill Cullen (VCU)

The best pure hitters: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis) (pictured right); Joey Cujas (VCU); Tucker Tobin (George Mason)

The biggest power threats: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis); Tucker Tobin (George Mason); Brian O’Keefe (Saint Joseph’s)

The hitter you least want to face: Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis)

The toughest hitter to strike out: Joey Cujas (VCU)

The most underrated hitter: Alec Sole (Saint Louis)

The best baserunner: Robby Sunderman (Dayton)

The best game coach: Darin Hendrickson (Saint Louis)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: No coach received more than one vote.

*unanimous selection 

(photo courtesy of SLU Media Relations Office)