It was announced yesterday that the Tiger pitching staff would become even deeper in 2009 with the addition of three more pitchers.  Head Coach Beauford Sanders announced that the commitments of one high school, one junior college, and one four year player have been made.  They all come from different backgrounds and they are all from three different states.  Sanders says this trio is solid and all three of them will have the chance to be impact players next season.  The total number of commitments is now up to 13.  10 Junior College players, 1 four year transfer, and 2 high school players are all in the mix.  The three new additions are:

Ryan Branscum, RHP, Volunteer State Junior College, Gallatin, Tennessee

Ryan Branscum will be a Tiger in 2009 after playing two seasons at Volunteer State JC in Tennessee.  He is 6 feet tall, weighs 220 lbs, and can be used in multiple roles.  As a sophomore for the Pioneers, Branscum appeared in 13 games, while making 4 starts.  He compiled a 4-2 record and struck out 43 batters in 44 innings of work.  He will be able to help the Tigers immediately with a good hard fastball and good off speed stuff.

-Coach Sanders on the signing of Ryan Branscum: "We're not sure what role Ryan will be in next year, but one thing we're sure of is that he will help our program right away.  He is a competitor that will do well either as a starter or a reliever.  He's a team guy and will be a perfect fit."

David Masinter, LHP, Lewis-Clark State College, Los Gatos, California

After taking a medical red shirt in 2008, big left hander Dave Masinter will transfer to Campbellsville and don the Tiger uniform in 2009.  Prior to signing with LC State, Masinter played Junior College ball at West Valley College in Lost Gatos, CA. and is now the fourth West Valley player to sign with Campbellsville.  In his sophomore year with WVC, Masinter served as a weekend starter and closed when he wasn't starting.  He finished with a 7-3 record and was a perfect 5 for 5 in save opportunities.  He also averaged a little better than a strikeout per inning.  His fastball is in the upper 80's, he can touch the low 90's, and his off speed stuff teeters on dominant. 

-Coach Sanders of the signing of Dave Masinter: "The addition of Dave to our mix is going to help us immensely.  He has great stuff and should be one of the region's best pitchers.  He knows how to pitch and should be a welcomed addition to our rotation."

Ryan Watson, RHP, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Ryan Watson becomes the second high school player to commit to play Baseball for the Tigers in 2009.  The second high school pitcher, Watson played his prep ball in Bowling Green and worked under former Tiger All-American Donnie Johnson.  Watson will have a legitimate shot as a freshman to see significant time for the Tigers with a firm fastball and a great changeup.  He is mature well beyond his years and should be a perfect fit into the Tiger Baseball family.