Jim Abbott vs. Al Cicotte — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Al Cicotte as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Al Cicotte posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.36 and WHIP 1.562 compared to 20.25 and 3.750 for Jim Abbott. By the career numbers, Al Cicotte had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.