Jim Henderson vs. Merrill Kelly — Career Comparison

Merrill Kelly built a career as a starting pitcher and Jim Henderson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Merrill Kelly led in home run suppression (HR9+ 111 vs 66), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 94), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 97). Jim Henderson held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 129 vs 100). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Merrill Kelly.