Ed Hovlik vs. Jake Irvin — Career Comparison

Jake Irvin built a career as a starting pitcher and Ed Hovlik as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Ed Hovlik posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.21 and WHIP 1.663 compared to 4.94 and 1.340 for Jake Irvin. By the career numbers, Ed Hovlik had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.