James Atkins vs. Dave LaRoche — Career Comparison

James Atkins built a career as a starting pitcher and Dave LaRoche as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Dave LaRoche posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.53 and WHIP 1.390 compared to 3.6 and 1.733 for James Atkins. By the career numbers, Dave LaRoche had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.