Johnson, Mathewson, or Young? Which one do you think was the best?

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Tabe

Knocking Pedro for having 219 wins when he has 54 more than Sandy? Pedro's career ERA+ was 154. Sandy's was 131. Pedro had FIVE seasons with an ERA+ of 200 or higher, with his best being 291. Sandy had none. Sandy's best would be (barely) Pedro's sixth-best. Sandy also benefited greatly from pitching in Dodger Stadium in the 60s, perhaps the greatest pitcher's park of all-time. His career road ERA was 3.04.

Koufax was an amazing pitcher. But Pedro was better.

All that tells us that pitching in the AL sucked when Pedro was with Boston. Koufax pitched against Spahn, Gibson, Niekro, Marichal, Perry, Bunning, Jenkins, Carlton all hofers plus teammates Drysdale and Sutton.

Koufax's last 4 seasons ERA were 1.88, 1.74, 2.04, 1.73. Pedro only had two seasons in that range. Koufax won 25, 26 and 27 games in a season, Pedro's best was 23. Koufax pitched 11, 7, 8 and 5 shutouts, Pedro's best was 4. Koufax pitched 4 no hitters including a perfect game over 5 seasons. Koufax struck out 382 in a season, Pedro's best was 313. Koufax top 2 in MVP voting 3 times, Pedro 1. Koufax 2 WS MVP, Pedro 0. Koufax WS ERA .095. Pedro postseason ERA 3.46, WS ERA 3.71.

ERA+ is an overrated stat. It is too dependant on peers. Koufax was very tough to hit. His ERA would have been just as good during the steroid era. Hard hit balls against him were generally HRs, even without doping. Most players couldn't make solid contact. His road era was higher but Dodger Stadium was a fair park compared to tiny parks in many other NL cities.