John Burkett vs. Bob Macdonald — Career Comparison

John Burkett built a career as a starting pitcher and Bob Macdonald as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. John Burkett led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 120 vs 100), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 100 vs 94), and strikeout rate (K%+ 96 vs 90). Bob Macdonald held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 101 vs 96). Role difference aside, John Burkett holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.