This is also significantly related to differences between rWAR and fWAR. According to B-R, while TJ is in rWAR among non-HOF pitchers who aren't playing today, he's currently 55th in WAA but he would probably be in the top 10 if we used his fWAA (according to my back of the envelope calculations) around David Cone and Brett Saberhagen. Of course WAA also penalizes him for his post-age 40 and pre-23 below average play. Removing those would place him around Orel Hershiser.

Basically, is Tommy John Tim Hudson/Santana/Hershiser (rJAWS comp) or is he Kevin Brown/Santana/Dresydale (fJAWS numbers using B-R jaws leaderboard)?

That's the difference between a compiler who's probably out and a player who needs just a little spark to push him over the edge.