Brandon Backe vs. Michael Kirkman — Career Comparison

Brandon Backe built a career as a starting pitcher and Michael Kirkman as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Brandon Backe posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.23 and WHIP 1.563 compared to 5.28 and 1.569 for Michael Kirkman. By the career numbers, Brandon Backe had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.