MWL1 Burlington Bees

Bray and Gragg Promoted; Crist Joins Bees

August 19, 2004 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Burlington Bees News Release


Clinton, IA - The Kansas City Royals have promoted Burlington Bees pitchers Steve Bray and John Gragg to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the organization's high-A affiliate in the Carolina League. Filling one of the open spots on the Bees roster is right-handed pitcher Kyle Crist, whom the Royals have promoted from their short-season affiliate, Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League.

Bray, a right-handed reliever, returns to Wilmington where he also spent time from April 26-May 8. Bray leaves the Bees with a 3-3 record and a 3.29 ERA in 24 relief appearances this year. He leads the team with 6 saves and has struck out 73 while walking just 13 in 63 innings pitched. Bray was particularly tough when entering a game with men on base. He allowed just three of 18 inherited runners to score.

Gragg, a left-handed starter, was the consummate tough-luck pitcher for the Bees this year. He leaves with a 3-10 record and a 4.40 ERA in 26 games and 19 starts with the Bees. He was the winning pitcher in his last start on Sunday afternoon at Kane County, a win which snapped a streak of nine consecutive losing decisions going back to May 1st when he pitched his first complete game and shutout in a win at the Quad Cities. The Bees lost 13 of his 19 starts this year, but in 9 of those 13 games, the offense scored two runs or less. Gragg started the season in relief and earned one save. He does lead the staff with 13 home runs surrendered on the year.

Crist, drafted by the Royals in the 34th Round of this year's draft out of the University of California, was 3-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 12 games (8 starts) with Idaho Falls. He pitched 45.2 innings and allowed 47 hits and 27 runs (18 earned) while walking 16 and striking out 27. In his junior season at Cal, he finished 3-8 with a 5.73 ERA in 19 games and 12 starts. He pitched 66 innings and allowed 81 hits, 57 runs (42 earned), while walking 30 and striking out 47.

When Crist makes his debut, he will be the 42nd different player used by the Bees this season. Last year, a total of 38 different players made an appearance for the team.

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