Darin Downs vs. Jason Middlebrook — Career Comparison

Jason Middlebrook built a career as a starting pitcher and Darin Downs as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Darin Downs posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.76 and WHIP 1.401 compared to 5.33 and 1.468 for Jason Middlebrook. By the career numbers, Darin Downs had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.