Feb. 10, 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 Big South (six coaches responded).

Additions: none

Departures: none

The team to beat: Coastal Carolina

The top starting pitchers: Ben Smith (Coastal Carolina)*; Matt Fraudin (Gardner-Webb)*; Heath Bowers (Campbell)

The top closer: Ryan Thompson (Campbell)* (right)

The pitcher you least want to face: Ryan Thompson (Campbell)

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

The best defensive catcher: Josh Spano (High Point)

The best catcher arm: Josh Spano (High Point)

The best defensive infielder: Dalton Britt (Liberty); Nick Oberg (Coastal Carolina)

The best infield arm: Elijah Trail (Campbell)

The best defensive outfielder: Ashton Perritt (Liberty); Bobby Ison (Charleston Southern)

The best outfield arm: Ashton Perritt (Liberty)

The best pure hitters: Bobby Ison (Charleston Southern)*; Ashton Perritt (Liberty); Brad Zebedis (Presbyterian); Josh Spano (High Point)

The biggest power threats: Brad Zebedis (Presbyterian); Danny Grauer (Liberty); Elijah Trail (Campbell)

The hitter you least want to face: Brad Zebedis (Presbyterian)

The toughest hitter to strike out: Bobby Ison (Charleston Southern)

The most underrated hitter: Tommy Houmard (UNC Asheville)

The best baserunner: Josh Gardiner (Radford); Ashton Perritt (Liberty)

The best game coach: Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Drew Thomas (Coastal Carolina)

*unanimous selection 

(photo courtesy of Campbell Media Relations Office)