Shang Johnson vs. Doug Mathis — Career Comparison

Shang Johnson built a career as a starting pitcher and Doug Mathis as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Shang Johnson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.18 and WHIP 1.347 compared to 4.84 and 1.637 for Doug Mathis. By the career numbers, Shang Johnson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.