11.   One thing Indy confirmed to me is I have the best rookie in my team.

12.   Over the years, Roger Penske has shown that he has a knack for picking the best rookie race car drivers.

13.   That is lofty company, but the Pontiac team enjoyed the best rookie season of any driver in NASCAR history.

14.   The Calder trophy, for best rookie, will go to either to Sergei Samsonov of Boston, Patrik Elias of the Devils or Mattias Ohlund of Vancouver.

15.   The best rookie was Carlos Beltran, and the best reliever was Mariano Rivera.

16.   The owners contend that the draft helps competitive balance, giving the lowliest teams a chance at the best rookies.

17.   He finished the season as the best rookie in the National League.

18.   Hers was the best rookie season since Nancy Lopez.