Dave Eiland vs. Mel Nelson — Career Comparison

Dave Eiland built a career as a starting pitcher and Mel Nelson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Mel Nelson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.4 and WHIP 1.526 compared to 5.74 and 1.582 for Dave Eiland. By the career numbers, Mel Nelson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.