The Thunder Bay Border Cats are closer than ever to fielding a full team.
The Northwoods League club on Wednesday announced the signing of three players from Belmont University in Nashville, upping the roster count to 20 with just three weeks to go before the start of regular season play.
Joining the Cats are first baseman Derek Wiley, pitcher Jimmy Stanley and pitcher/outfielder Nate Woods. All three are teammates of returning Border Cats slugger Brandon McCall.
Stanley, a junior reliever with Belmont, posted a 1-1 record with three saves and a 2.29 ERA as of Wednesday. The Lexington, Ky. native also has an impressive 24 strikeouts in 19.1 innings of work.
Woods, a 6-foot-6 behemoth has been busy on the mound and in the field for the Bruins. As a pitcher, the righthander has a 3-2 record and a 3.94 ERA. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa product, who was drafted in the 28th round last year by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is hitting .267 with six home runs and 17 RBIs.
Wiley, who hails from Dublin, Calif., could bring some much-needed power to Port Arthur Stadium. The junior has 12 homeruns and 46 RBIs and a healthy .582 slugging percentage in 2008.
The Cats home opener is scheduled for June 2 against the St. Cloud River Bats.