Rafael Cruz vs. Joel Johnston — Career Comparison

Rafael Cruz built a career as a starting pitcher and Joel Johnston as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Joel Johnston posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.31 and WHIP 1.296 compared to 5.06 and 2.063 for Rafael Cruz. By the career numbers, Joel Johnston had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.