James Atkins vs. Richard Rodriguez — Career Comparison

James Atkins built a career as a starting pitcher and Richard Rodriguez as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Richard Rodriguez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.28 and WHIP 1.162 compared to 3.6 and 1.733 for James Atkins. By the career numbers, Richard Rodriguez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.