Kurt Birkins vs. Johnny Vander Meer — Career Comparison

Johnny Vander Meer 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. Johnny Vander Meer posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.44 and WHIP 1.393 compared to 5.85 and 1.553 for Kurt Birkins. By the career numbers, Johnny Vander Meer had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.