Rookie Russell Young eyes differences from college ball

By Jon Moffett

Talent levels and bats are noticeable to the former Dartmouth player.

NILES — Mahoning Valley Scrappers rookie Russell Young is learning the differences between college ball and the minor leagues. One big difference is the talent on the rosters.

“The talent level is definitely different,” Young said. “In college, the starting nine guys had pretty good talent, but then there was a dropoff after that. Here, there really isn’t a dropoff in talent.”

Young added another big difference is the bat. Specifically, what the bat is made of.

When asked the difference in a wooden bat to a metal one, Young responded, “There is a big difference. You have to approach pitching differently and make different adjustments as a hitter.”

He added that wooden bats are easier to hit with.

Young, a left-handed reliever, was selected by the Indians in the 28th round of this year’s draft. He played for Dartmouth College last season as a member of the Big Green. In nine appearances in 2007, Young went 5-4 with a 4.55 ERA. He pitched in six complete games, including one shutout, in 65 1/3 innings. He recorded 55 strikeouts and only 12 walks.

Young joins the Scrappers as part of the 10th team.

“It’s an honor,” Young said. “Getting to play where guys like C.C. [Sabathia] and Victor [Martinez] played is an honor. You see guys move up through here and it’s special. It’s a privilege to play here.”

The pitching prospect said the players aren’t familiar with each other and their talents yet.

“Right now we’re starting to establish roles; we’re seeing who will be in the starting pitching roles and who will be our everyday guys,” Young said. “Our biggest goal, I would imagine, for the year is we want to win, obviously, and to be committed to player development.”

Young said his goal is to learn the game at the next level.

“I’m making the adjustment,” Young said. “I’m trying to get my feet wet. I’ve learned a lot of knowledge from [pitching coach] Ken Rowe ... I need to keep building my arm strength and continue to develop some breaking balls and work on my command.”

Young lives in Cleburne, Texas, and said his favorite team is the Houston Astros. His favorite current player is Lance Berkman

“If you would have asked me last year, I would have said Craig Biggio,” Young said. “He played the game the right way.”