Brandon Backe vs. Ben Hayes — Career Comparison

Brandon Backe built a career as a starting pitcher and Ben Hayes as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Ben Hayes led in run prevention (ERA+ 112 vs 81), strikeout rate (K%+ 109 vs 95), and home run suppression (HR9+ 83 vs 73). Brandon Backe held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 80 vs 77). Role difference aside, Ben Hayes holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.