Jim Abbott vs. Kurt Birkins — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Kurt Birkins as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Jim Abbott posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.25 and WHIP 1.451 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Jim Abbott had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.