Keith Atherton vs. David Cone — Career Comparison

David Cone built a career as a starting pitcher and Keith Atherton as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. David Cone led in home run suppression (HR9+ 106 vs 68), strikeout rate (K%+ 126 vs 88), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 105 vs 87). Keith Atherton held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 111 vs 87). Role difference aside, David Cone holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.