David Aardsma vs. Brandon Backe — Career Comparison

Brandon Backe built a career as a starting pitcher and David Aardsma as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. David Aardsma led in home run suppression (HR9+ 114 vs 73), run prevention (ERA+ 109 vs 81), and strikeout rate (K%+ 120 vs 95). Brandon Backe held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 80 vs 76). Role difference aside, David Aardsma holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.