Kurt Birkins vs. Justin Masterson — Career Comparison

Justin Masterson 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. Justin Masterson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.31 and WHIP 1.412 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Justin Masterson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.