Sure, the more information, the better. But, I wonder if there is a point of "overdoing it" and triggering irritation on the other end?
Plus, I'm not sure how much questions/answers regarding playing time are helpful even assuming you receive a candid response. No matter what the coach says -- "we absolutely expect Johnnie to compete for a starting spot at SS as a Freshman" -- the player will obtain playing time if he absolutely earns it, right?
Info digging with third parties makes great sense (other families/players, prior roster analysis, this forum, etc.).
Admittedly, my comment might be more reflective of us not asking the coach a ton of questions for our 2016 currently at a HAD3 (no unpleasant surprises yet).
Good luck!