Ray Herbert vs. Lee Smith — Career Comparison

Ray Herbert 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 strikeout rate (K%+ 128 vs 78), home run suppression (HR9+ 131 vs 85), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 112 vs 96). Ray Herbert held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 157 vs 104). Role difference aside, Lee Smith holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.