Bill Atkinson vs. Jeff Francis — Career Comparison

Jeff Francis built a career as a starting pitcher and Bill Atkinson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Jeff Francis led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 136 vs 90), home run suppression (HR9+ 91 vs 64), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 95 vs 86). Bill Atkinson held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 112 vs 82). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Jeff Francis.