Phil Bickford vs. Buddy Black — Career Comparison

Buddy Black 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 78), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 98 vs 90), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 117 vs 110). Buddy Black held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 110 vs 106). Role difference aside, Phil Bickford holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.