Kurt Birkins vs. Joe Martinez — Career Comparison

Joe 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. Joe Martinez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.82 and WHIP 1.850 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Joe Martinez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.