Justin Duchscherer vs. Bud Smith — Career Comparison

Bud Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and Justin Duchscherer as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Justin Duchscherer posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.13 and WHIP 1.168 compared to 4.95 and 1.500 for Bud Smith. By the career numbers, Justin Duchscherer had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.