Denny Lemaster vs. Joe Nelson — Career Comparison

Denny Lemaster built a career as a starting pitcher and Joe Nelson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Joe Nelson led in run prevention (ERA+ 138 vs 95), home run suppression (HR9+ 95 vs 72), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 101 vs 93). Denny Lemaster held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 95 vs 80). Role difference aside, Joe Nelson holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.