David Cone vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

David Cone 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. Lee Smith led in home run suppression (HR9+ 131 vs 106), walk avoidance (BB%+ 104 vs 87), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 112 vs 105). David Cone held the edge in run prevention (ERA+ 111 vs 109). Role difference aside, Lee Smith holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.