Earl Francis vs. Darold Knowles — Career Comparison

Earl Francis built a career as a starting pitcher and Darold Knowles as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Earl Francis led in home run suppression (HR9+ 253 vs 106), strikeout rate (K%+ 99 vs 67), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 114 vs 88). Darold Knowles held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 90 vs 77). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Earl Francis.