Len Barker vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

Len Barker built a career as a starting pitcher and Lee Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Len Barker led in home run suppression (HR9+ 144 vs 131), strikeout rate (K%+ 141 vs 128), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 118 vs 112). Lee Smith held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 109 vs 94). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Len Barker.