Frank Viola vs. Al Williamson — Career Comparison

Frank Viola built a career as a starting pitcher and Al Williamson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Al Williamson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 0 and WHIP 0.500 compared to 3.73 and 1.315 for Frank Viola. By the career numbers, Al Williamson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.