Kurt Birkins vs. Ramon Martinez — Career Comparison

Ramon 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. Ramon Martinez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.67 and WHIP 1.333 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Ramon Martinez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.