Great post - a tough call, really, when looking at the numbers.
I'm going with Mathewson. Although Pete had more shutouts and Triple Crowns, Matty may have been better:
1. Had a slight edge in winning .pct.
2. .5 run lower ERA
3. '05 Series performance
4. 400 more strikeouts
5. 4 more 20 win seasons
Other comparisons:
Mathewson:
- World Series champion (1905)
- 373 career wins (3rd all-time)
- 2.13 career ERA (8th all-time)
- 1.059 career WHIP (5th all time)
- Won 20 games or more 13 times, won 30 games or more 4 times.
- Pitched 79 shutouts (3rd all time)
- Won NL Pitcher's Triple Crown in 1905 and 1908
- Five-time ERA champion (1905, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1913)
- Five-time strikeout champion (1903, 1904, 1905, 1907, 1908)
- Pitched two no-hitters.
- Name honored by the Giants.
Alexander:
- 373 career wins (3rd all-time)
- 2.56 career era (48th all-time)
- 1.121 career whip (32nd all time)
- Won 20 games or more 9 times, won 30 games or more 3 times.
- Pitched 90 shutouts (2nd all time)
- Won NL Pitcher's Triple Crown in 1915, 1916,1917 and 1920
- World Series champion (1926)
- National League pennants (1915), (1918)