John Axford vs. Rickey Clark — Career Comparison

Rickey Clark built a career as a starting pitcher and John Axford as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. John Axford led in strikeout rate (K%+ 110 vs 77), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 93 vs 83), and home run suppression (HR9+ 93 vs 87). Rickey Clark held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 96 vs 89). Role difference aside, John Axford holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.