Merrill Kelly vs. Al McBean — Career Comparison

Merrill Kelly built a career as a starting pitcher and Al McBean 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 78), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 95), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 109 vs 108). Al McBean held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 113 vs 111). Role difference aside, Merrill Kelly holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.