Kelly Downs vs. Hersh Freeman — Career Comparison

Kelly Downs built a career as a starting pitcher and Hersh Freeman as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Hersh Freeman posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.74 and WHIP 1.443 compared to 3.86 and 1.389 for Kelly Downs. By the career numbers, Hersh Freeman had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.