Hideki Okajima vs. Andy Van Hekken — Career Comparison

Andy Van Hekken built a career as a starting pitcher and Hideki Okajima as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Andy Van Hekken posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3 and WHIP 1.467 compared to 3.09 and 1.314 for Hideki Okajima. By the career numbers, Andy Van Hekken had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.