Kelly Downs vs. Jonathan Papelbon — Career Comparison

Kelly Downs built a career as a starting pitcher and Jonathan Papelbon as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Jonathan Papelbon led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 147 vs 88), run prevention (ERA+ 130 vs 101), and strikeout rate (K%+ 115 vs 96). Kelly Downs held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 117 vs 103). Role difference aside, Jonathan Papelbon holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.