Bees Announce 2008 Opening Day Roster

Burlington, IA (March 31, 2008) - The Burlington Bees, the Single-A Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, are pleased to announce their 2008 opening day roster. The roster is highlighted by shortstop Mike Moustakas, who was taken second overall by the Royals in the 2007 amateur entry draft. The roster also includes three players who spent time with the Bees during the 2007 season.

Moustakas, who is expected to be the everyday shortstop, played 11 games at Idaho Falls of the Pioneer league last season. In 41 at-bats, he hit .293 with 10 RBI. At age 19, Moustakas is one of the two youngest position players on the team.

Two pitchers who appeared for the Bees last season are set to rejoin Burlington this season. Edward Cegarra appeared in 16 games with nine starts for the Bees last season. He finished the season with a record of 1-6, 1 save and a 5.12 ERA. He struck out 37 batters while only walking 16. Danny Gutierrez started seven games for Burlington during the 2007 campaign. He finished with a record of 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA. In 31.1 innings pitched, Gutierrez struck out 27 batters.

Outfielder Jamar Walton is the only returning position player. Originally drafted by the Marlins in the fourth round of the 2004 amateur entry draft, he spent the first three years of his career in the Florida organization. He appeared in 54 games last season for the Bees and finished with a .278 batting average.

The roster will include three catchers, seven infielders and four outfielders. There will be 12 pitchers on the roster, which includes two left-handers.

Fans will have the opportunity to welcome the players to Burlington during the annual "Meet the Bees" event, which will be held on Wednesday night. The event will begin at 6:00 at Fun City. Tickets for the evening will be available at the door. The cost for the event is $10 and will include refreshments and a pizza buffet. All Bees players, coaches and front office staff will be at the event. Opening day is scheduled for Thursday night. The Bees will welcome the Peoria Chiefs, who are managed by former Cubs great and hall-of-famer Ryne Sandberg. Tickets are available now online at www.GoBees.com or by calling the Bees office at (319) 754-5705.