NL pitchers E.R.A?

Question

Are NL pitchers with a similar ERA to an AL pitcher considered inferior as they pitch at other pitchers whereas the AL pitchers have to throw at 'proper' batsmen?

Answer 1

Yes, because of the DH.

Answer 2

the DH has been around since 1973.

since then, the average AL ERA is about 9% higher than the average NL ERA, year to year.

9% is not a whole lot, though, so even though NL pitchers get to pitch to the opposing pitcher, it's not a big difference in the ERA.

if you look at the current active ERA leaders, you'll note that most of them are NL pitchers. i would say though, that if two pitchers have similar ERA's, you wouldn't be able to determine if one is better than the other just based on that.

i'd prefer to also consider K/BB and WHIP as well to get a better head-to-head comparison.

Answer 3

Batting and base running add fatigue and injury potential to NL pitchers, while AL can rest and concentrate on the upcoming batters to be faced. The best answer comes from comparing career stats for pitchers who played in both leagues. Clemons and Ryan are two recent stars successful in either league.

Answer 4

Yes. Everyone considers the pitchers in the A.L. to be superior to their N.L. counterparts, even though they routinely post higher ERA's.

ERA is a crappy measurement of pitching sucess however, you should look at things like BAA, BABIP, DIPS, ERC, K/BB and WHIP. These numbers account for league differences and some also adjust for hitters/pitchers parks. These are the true determining factors of a pitchers success.

Answer 5

i would switch it around and say AL pitchers with better era's are considered better pitchers. i dont think people look at the NL pitchers as inferior. if brnadon webb and johan santana have the same ERA, i think people would say santana is better, not that webb is an inferior pitcher. he is still great, but not as good as santana

Answer 6

yess