Mel Parnell vs. Will Thompson — Career Comparison

Mel Parnell built a career as a starting pitcher and Will Thompson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Will Thompson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3 and WHIP 2.667 compared to 3.5 and 1.413 for Mel Parnell. By the career numbers, Will Thompson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.