Travis Phelps vs. Barry Zito — Career Comparison

Barry Zito built a career as a starting pitcher and Travis Phelps as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Travis Phelps led in strikeout rate (K%+ 118 vs 86), run prevention (ERA+ 108 vs 94), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 93 vs 89). Barry Zito held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 102 vs 92). Role difference aside, Travis Phelps holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.