Jim Abbott vs. Bob Friedrichs — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Bob Friedrichs as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Bob Friedrichs posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 11.25 and WHIP 2.750 compared to 20.25 and 3.750 for Jim Abbott. By the career numbers, Bob Friedrichs had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.