Tim Birtsas vs. Art Johnson — Career Comparison

Art Johnson built a career as a starting pitcher and Tim Birtsas as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Art Johnson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.68 and WHIP 1.441 compared to 4.08 and 1.564 for Tim Birtsas. By the career numbers, Art Johnson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.