Kurt Birkins vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

On the career pitching numbers, Lee Smith posted a stronger line than Kurt Birkins. Lee Smith posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.03 vs 5.85) and WHIP (1.333 vs 1.553). By the career numbers, Lee Smith had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.