Brandon Backe vs. LaTroy Hawkins — Career Comparison

Brandon Backe built a career as a starting pitcher and LaTroy Hawkins as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. LaTroy Hawkins led in home run suppression (HR9+ 103 vs 73), walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 80), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 88 vs 81). Brandon Backe held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 95 vs 71). Role difference aside, LaTroy Hawkins holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.