James Hoyt vs. Ryan Rowland-Smith — Career Comparison

Ryan Rowland-Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and James Hoyt as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. James Hoyt posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.94 and WHIP 1.344 compared to 4.57 and 1.432 for Ryan Rowland-Smith. By the career numbers, James Hoyt had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.