Kurt Birkins vs. Adrian Martinez — Career Comparison

Adrian Martinez 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. Adrian Martinez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.51 and WHIP 1.482 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Adrian Martinez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.