Austin Pruitt vs. Barry Zito — Career Comparison

Barry Zito built a career as a starting pitcher and Austin Pruitt as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Austin Pruitt led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 170 vs 78), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 96 vs 89), and run prevention (ERA+ 100 vs 94). Barry Zito held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 86 vs 71). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Austin Pruitt.