Keith Atherton vs. Jose Lima — Career Comparison

Jose Lima built a career as a starting pitcher and Keith Atherton as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Keith Atherton led in run prevention (ERA+ 97 vs 88), strikeout rate (K%+ 88 vs 82), and home run suppression (HR9+ 68 vs 65). Jose Lima held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 154 vs 111). Role difference aside, Keith Atherton holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.