Bud Anderson vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Bud Anderson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. John Smoltz led in strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 80), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 98), and run prevention (ERA+ 106 vs 105). Bud Anderson held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 131 vs 106). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to John Smoltz.