James Atkins vs. Rich Thompson — Career Comparison

James Atkins built a career as a starting pitcher and Rich Thompson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. James Atkins posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.6 and WHIP 1.733 compared to 4.21 and 1.357 for Rich Thompson. By the career numbers, James Atkins had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.