Feb. 14, 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 Metro Atlantic (nine coaches responded).

Additions: Monmouth, Quinnipiac

Departures: none

The team to beat: Canisius

The top three starting pitchers: Kurt Sowa, Rider*; Matt Gage, Siena*; Alex Godzak, Canisius (right)

The top closer: Neil Fryer, Siena; Zach Mawson, Rider

The pitcher you least want to face: Matt Gage, Siena

The most underrated pitcher: Alex Godzak, Canisius

The best defensive catcher: Jim Smith, Saint Peter’s

The best catcher arm: Jim Smith, Saint Peter’s

The best defensive infielder: Yoandry Galan, Manhattan

The best infield arm: Nick McQuail, Marist

The best defensive outfielder: Joe Torres, Iona

The best outfield arm: John Rooney, Siena

The three best pure hitters: Jimmy Luppens, Canisius*; Ryan Plourde, Fairfield*; Matt Pagano, Marist

The three biggest power threats: Jimmy Luppens, Canisius*; Ryan Plourde, Fairfield; Andres Ortiz, Siena; Christian Santisteban, Manhattan

The hitter you least want to face: Jimmy Luppens, Canisius

The toughest hitter to strike out: Vincent Citro, Siena

The most underrated hitter: Nick McQuail, Marist

The best base-runner: Joe Torres, Iona*

The best game coach: Barry Davis, Rider

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Matt Mazurek, Canisius

*unanimous selection 

(photo courtesy of Canisius Media Relations)