Jim Abbott vs. Mike Balas — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Mike Balas as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Mike Balas posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 6.75 and WHIP 2.250 compared to 20.25 and 3.750 for Jim Abbott. By the career numbers, Mike Balas had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.