Tim Lincecum vs. The Only Nolan — Career Comparison

Tim Lincecum built a career as a starting pitcher and The Only Nolan as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. The Only Nolan posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 2.98 and WHIP 1.265 compared to 3.74 and 1.313 for Tim Lincecum. By the career numbers, The Only Nolan had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.