Jim Abbott vs. Bob James — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Bob James as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Bob James led in strikeout rate (K%+ 121 vs 81), walk avoidance (BB%+ 118 vs 95), and run prevention (ERA+ 111 vs 92). Role difference aside, Bob James holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.