Andy Messersmith vs. Chance Ruffin — Career Comparison

Andy Messersmith built a career as a starting pitcher and Chance Ruffin as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Andy Messersmith posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 2.86 and WHIP 1.163 compared to 5.6 and 1.720 for Chance Ruffin. By the career numbers, Andy Messersmith had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.