Kurt Birkins vs. Thornton Lee — Career Comparison

Thornton Lee built a career as a starting pitcher and Kurt Birkins as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Thornton Lee posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.56 and WHIP 1.358 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Thornton Lee had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.