The Only Nolan vs. Carl Pavano — Career Comparison

Carl Pavano 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 4.39 and 1.362 for Carl Pavano. By the career numbers, The Only Nolan had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.