Tom Gordon vs. Ismael Valdez — Career Comparison

Ismael Valdez built a career as a starting pitcher and Tom Gordon as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Tom Gordon led in strikeout rate (K%+ 119 vs 79), home run suppression (HR9+ 95 vs 74), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 101 vs 87). Ismael Valdez held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 126 vs 92). Role difference aside, Tom Gordon holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.