Mountaineers sign reliever Ty Wiest

Wiest was a member of the Ivy League champions Columbia. 

The Mountaineers added to their almost nonexistent bullpen depth on Saturday with the signing of Columbia freshman reliever Ty Wiest. Wiest has already arrived and was ready to appear in last night's loss to Danbury.

A big boost for Vermont, who've been dealing with a lack of pitchers. With the addition of Wiest and several other pitchers en route, the Mountianeers no longer have a small three-man bullpen of Jared Gesell, Sam Spencer and Nick Kevlin.

"After losing six pitchers in the week before the season because of summer school, injuries, etc," Mountaineers general manager Brian Gallagaher said, "We were low on arms. We have been calling all of our contacts looking for guys. "

Wiest comes from Columbia after appearing in eight games, two of which were starts. He gave up 15 hits and 14 runs (11 earned) over 10 1/3 innings with 11 walks and 10 strikeouts. Wiest played both pitcher and first base at Rock Canyon High School, hitting .451 with 18 RBIs as a senior.

The scouting organization Perfect Game saw Wiest play in various events out of high school and saw a plus fastball in the high 80s along with a changeup, curve and slider in the 70s.

"He is a guy who throws strikes,"  Gallagher said. "He has what it takes to compete in a competitive league."

Gallagher also mentioned three other pitchers that will arrive this week- a pair from Alabama-Huntsville, where they'll join collegiate teammates Chandler Brock and Ben Hall. Former Mountaineer manager and Hofstra coach John Russo is also sending Vermont a pitcher.

Louisville reliever Robert Strader will also arrive once the Cardinals are eliminated from or win the College World Series.