John Burkett vs. Mike Cather — Career Comparison

John Burkett built a career as a starting pitcher and Mike Cather as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Mike Cather led in home run suppression (HR9+ 227 vs 95), run prevention (ERA+ 143 vs 96), and strikeout rate (K%+ 102 vs 96). John Burkett held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 120 vs 114). Role difference aside, Mike Cather holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.