Jeff Ballard vs. Phil Bickford — Career Comparison

Jeff Ballard built a career as a starting pitcher and Phil Bickford as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Phil Bickford led in strikeout rate (K%+ 112 vs 51), run prevention (ERA+ 106 vs 90), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 98 vs 87). Jeff Ballard held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 133 vs 117). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Phil Bickford.