Erik Swanson vs. Joe Vernon — Career Comparison

Joe Vernon built a career as a starting pitcher and Erik Swanson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Erik Swanson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.2 and WHIP 1.154 compared to 11.05 and 2.591 for Joe Vernon. By the career numbers, Erik Swanson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.