John Axford vs. Buster Narum — Career Comparison

Buster Narum 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 81), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 93 vs 83), and run prevention (ERA+ 89 vs 81). Buster Narum held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 83 vs 81). Role difference aside, John Axford holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.