For example check out the 1987 Astros. Ryan went 8-16 with a 2.76 ERA. It's amazing to me that an 8-16 record is possible with a 2.76 ERA, but it's because of a lack of run support from the 76-86 1987 Astros. Aaron, even with 324 wins, had only 2 twenty win seasons although he had 8 seasons in which he had a sub 3.00 ERA. The only season Ryan had an ERA over 4.00 with more than one start was in his last year of baseball at the age of 46. I would hear arguments on why Spahn and Bob Gibson should be in this spot over Ryan. As far as the early greats (Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson), I won't take anything away from their accomplishments and statistics, but the early 1900's baseball was a much different game, and I would have to conclude that those numbers are due to a learning curve in batting. As the pitchers reached the 1920's ERA's started to go up because of increased hitting, and 30 win seasons went away. The way Ryan performed from 1966-1993 throughout his career and on some very bad teams, is worthy of a top 5 all-time place in baseball's history.