Feb. 3, 2015

St. John's, Creighton to Battle in Big East

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2015 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 East (four of seven coaches responded).

Conference Additions: None

Conference Departures: None  

The team to beat: St. John’s, Creighton

The top starting pitchers: Ryan McCormick (St. Johns)*; Matt Warren (Creighton)*; Luke Cahill (Seton Hall)

The top closer: Joe Kuzia (St. Johns)*

The pitcher you least want to face: No player received more than one vote

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

The best defensive catcher: Daniel Rizzie (Xavier)

The best catcher arm: Daniel Rizzie (Xavier)

The best defensive infielder: No player received more than one vote

The best infield arm: D.J. Ruhlman (Seton Hall)

The best defensive outfielder: Derek Jenkins (Seton Hall)

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

The best pure hitters: Reagan Fowler (Creighton)*; Sal Annunziata (Seton Hall); D.J. Ruhlman (Seton Hall); Michael Donadio (St. John’s)

The biggest power threats: Sal Annunziata (Seton Hall)*; Reagan Fowler (Creighton)

The hitter you least want to face: Reagan Fowler (Creighton)

The toughest hitter to strike out: No player received more than one vote

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

The best baserunner: Derek Jenkins (Seton Hall)*

The best game coach: Ed Blankmeyer (St. John’s), Scott Googins (Xavier)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: Phil Cundari (Seton Hall)

*unanimous selection