Bob James vs. Rich Thompson — Career Comparison

On the career pitching numbers, Bob James posted a stronger line than Rich Thompson. Bob James posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.8 vs 4.21) and home runs allowed (0.86 per nine innings vs 1.55). By the career numbers, Bob James 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.