Merrill Kelly vs. Darold Knowles — Career Comparison

Merrill Kelly 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. Merrill Kelly led in strikeout rate (K%+ 100 vs 67), walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 90), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 88). Darold Knowles held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 117 vs 114). Role difference aside, Merrill Kelly holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.