Steve Avery vs. Jim Willoughby — Career Comparison

Steve Avery built a career as a starting pitcher and Jim Willoughby as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Steve Avery led in strikeout rate (K%+ 100 vs 80), home run suppression (HR9+ 101 vs 83), and run prevention (ERA+ 101 vs 92). Jim Willoughby held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 141 vs 97). Role difference aside, Steve Avery holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.