Jim Deshaies vs. Mel Parnell — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Jim Deshaies and Mel Parnell are fairly close on the surface numbers. Mel Parnell posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.5 vs 4.14) and home runs allowed (0.53 per nine innings vs 1.06). Jim Deshaies had the advantage in WHIP (1.343 vs 1.413). By the career numbers, Mel Parnell had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.