Brian Fuentes vs. Don Newcombe — Career Comparison

Don Newcombe built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Fuentes as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Brian Fuentes led in home run suppression (HR9+ 104 vs 70), run prevention (ERA+ 124 vs 92), and strikeout rate (K%+ 115 vs 89). Don Newcombe held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 162 vs 101). Role difference aside, Brian Fuentes holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.