text: A close call, but I would have to go with Ryan. In his career, Nolan Ryan rarely played on a winning team, which explains his inferior record. How would you explain an 8-16 record in 1987(Astros), despite a 2.76 era. Also, back in 77', he finished 19-16 despite a 2.77 era.On a team with a potent offense, he could have won 25 or more. Meanwhile, the last 10 years Clemens has played for some of the top teams in baseball. Its easy to have a great era when terrific bullpens are always saving your ass. Ryan threw 222complete games in his career, evidence that he often had to go it alone. Meanwhile, between 1999 and 2005, clemens has completed only 4 games. 4!!! games in 7 years? Also, Ryan averaged 9.55 strikeouts per 9 innings, Clemens as of the end of 2005 averaged 8.61. I defenitely believe that if Clemens and Ryan were teamates, that Ryan would have been the better pitcher in the end.