Frank Bates vs. Joel De La Cruz — Career Comparison

Joel De La Cruz built a career as a starting pitcher and Frank Bates as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Joel De La Cruz posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.88 and WHIP 1.388 compared to 6.33 and 2.082 for Frank Bates. By the career numbers, Joel De La Cruz had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.