Odds and Ends - May 31

I wanted to start by thanking everyone who has sent in emails or left comments on the blog. We appreciate the feedback.

Yesterday I got an email from Steve who wrote...

You guys keep referring to Kouzmanoff as a "rookie" as he plays for the Padres. At the same time talk about his first major league hit last year with the Cleveland Indians being a grand slam home run on the first pitch. How can he now be considered a "rookie" if he played for the Cleveland Indians last year?

Steve, here is your answer from Page 355 of the Padres Media Guide

A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) Exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) Accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of a 25-man limit (excluding time in military service or time on the disabled list)

I hope that clears that all up for you Steve. Again, thanks for taking the time to write and please keep the questions coming. We are working on an email link where you will be able to email me directly very soon.

I wanted to post a few notes about Chris Young's dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates after last night's strong start. C.Y.'s career line against Pittsburgh now looks like this.

3-0 0.76 ERA 17 K 5 BB 7 H in 23.2 IP.

That's pretty ridiculous. Here are some other notes.

• Chris has pitched in all or parts of 24 different innings against the Pirates. He has allowed no-hits in 18 of them
• Last night's bottom of the 6th was the first time in Young's career that he has allowed multiple hits to the Pirates in the same inning.
• Of any pitcher with at least 20 innings pitched against the Pirates in this decade, Chris Young has the best ERA at 0.76. Amazingly, under the same criteria, the pitcher with the worst ERA is one of the guys the Padres traded to acquire Young. Adam Eaton. He has a 9.74 ERA against the Pirates over that stretch.