David Cone vs. Steve Shields — Career Comparison

David Cone built a career as a starting pitcher and Steve Shields as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. David Cone led in strikeout rate (K%+ 126 vs 83), run prevention (ERA+ 111 vs 82), and home run suppression (HR9+ 106 vs 79). Steve Shields held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 102 vs 87). Role difference aside, David Cone holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.