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 America East (all seven coaches responded).

Additions: UMass Lowell

Departures: none

The team to beat: Stony Brook, Binghamton (tie)

The top starting pitchers: Tommy Lawrence (Maine)*; Frankie Vanderka (Stony Brook)* (pictured right); Sean Newcomb (Hartford)*

The top closer: Joshua Mason (Stony Brook)

The pitcher you least want to face: Tommy Lawrence (Maine)

The most underrated pitcher: Brandon McNitt (Stony Brook)

The best defensive catcher: Anthony Italiano (Stony Brook)

The best catcher arm: Kevin Krause (Stony Brook)

The best defensive infielder: Cole Peragine (Stony Brook); Kevin Lachance (UMBC)

The best infield arm: No player received more than one vote

The best defensive outfielder: Colin Gay (Maine)

The best outfield arm: Joshua Mason (Stony Brook)

The best pure hitters: Jake Thomas (Binghamton)*; Josh Nethaway (Albany); Jack Parenty (Stony Brook); Troy Black (Maine)

The biggest power threats: Josh Nethaway (Albany); Kevin Courtney (Stony Brook); Alex Calbick (Maine)

The hitter you least want to face: Jake Thomas (Binghamton)

The toughest hitter to strike out: Jake Thomas (Binghamton)

The most underrated hitter: Kevin Lachance (UMBC)

The best baserunner: Sam Balzano (Maine)

The best game coach: Matt Senk (Stony Brook); Tim Sinicki (Binghamton)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Joe Pennucci (Stony Brook)

*unanimous selection 

(photo courtesy of Stony Brook Media Relations Office)