Michael Mercado vs. George Throop — Career Comparison

Michael Mercado built a career as a starting pitcher and George Throop as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. George Throop posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.83 and WHIP 1.606 compared to 11.81 and 2.250 for Michael Mercado. By the career numbers, George Throop had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.