James Shields vs. Esmerling Vasquez — Career Comparison

James Shields built a career as a starting pitcher and Esmerling Vasquez as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Esmerling Vasquez led in home run suppression (HR9+ 113 vs 70), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 90 vs 84), and strikeout rate (K%+ 103 vs 102). James Shields held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 92 vs 72). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Esmerling Vasquez.