Phil Bickford vs. Bob Purkey — Career Comparison

Bob Purkey 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 59), run prevention (ERA+ 106 vs 94), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 98 vs 90). Bob Purkey held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 136 vs 117). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Phil Bickford.