J. P. Howell vs. Chick Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, J. P. Howell and Chick Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Chick Smith posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.57 vs 3.83) and home runs allowed (0.51 per nine innings vs 0.86). J. P. Howell had the advantage in WHIP (1.364 vs 1.472). By the career numbers, Chick 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.