SAN DIEGO-- It's not like Chris Young's contract deal would have been halted with a bad outing on Monday, but he had no interest in finding out.

Who could blame him? His new four-year pact wasn't announced until Tuesday morning, and both general manager Kevin Towers and Young's agent, Lon Babby, watched Monday night's game from a Petco Park suite.

Young, who pitched seven shutout innings, said one thing was for sure about the Padres' 1-0 win over the visiting San Francisco Giants.

"It's easier coming here with a smile on my face after a great team win," Young said. "(The contract was) maybe on the top of my mind here and there, but I put it out. I wanted to concentrate on helping my team win."

Since spring training ended, Towers has been set on securing Young with a long-term deal. Because Young didn't want the situation to become "a distraction," the two sides were able to move quickly and quietly.

Young, 27, and the Padres settled on a four-year, $14.5 million contract through 2010 with an $8.5 million team option for 2011, Young's first year of free agency. The deal also includes a $500,000 signing bonus.

The Padres already had a team option in place for 2008 but ripped it up as part of the new deal, which gives Young a raise from $600,000 this season to $750,000 along with the signing bonus. Young also receives $2.5 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009 and $6.25 million in 2010.

Essentially, the deal is good for both sides: Young gets compensation while the Padres avoid arbitration and control the right-hander's first year of free agency.

"Looking ahead, what we thought this guy had (the) potential to do could have made those arbitration years difficult," Towers said. "To avoid that process is great, and to control one year of free agency is huge for us.

"He's the right type of guy to tie up."

Towers said Young's athleticism, aptitude and work ethic remind him of Padres closer Trevor Hoffman. In Hoffman-like fashion, Young said the signing was "a dream come true," but he wants more.

"I'm just trying to concentrate on becoming the best pitcher I can be," Young said. "I have room for improvement and I want to pitch to my potential. Obviously, this is a dream of mine, but by no means am I satisfied."

Kouzmanoff to rest

Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff missed Tuesday's game with a bruised left elbow, and he'll likely also sit out today, manager Bud Black said. Black thought the rookie might be able to pinch-hit today, but he should be ready for Friday's series opener in Los Angeles after three days off.

Kouzmanoff was drilled by a Matt Cain fastball on Monday.

"It felt like a fastball," said Kouzmanoff, adding that the swelling had decreased. "It was more blown up (Monday). I can't really extend it."