John Lackey vs. Mike Marshall — Career Comparison

John Lackey built a career as a starting pitcher and Mike Marshall as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Mike Marshall led in home run suppression (HR9+ 89 vs 80), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 99 vs 93), and run prevention (ERA+ 100 vs 97). John Lackey held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 115 vs 102). Role difference aside, Mike Marshall holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.