George Ellison vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and George Ellison as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. George Ellison posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 0 and WHIP 2.000 compared to 3.33 and 1.200 for John Smoltz. By the career numbers, George Ellison had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.