Mike Balas vs. Lou Kretlow — Career Comparison

Lou Kretlow built a career as a starting pitcher and Mike Balas as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Lou Kretlow posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.87 and WHIP 1.664 compared to 6.75 and 2.250 for Mike Balas. By the career numbers, Lou Kretlow had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.