Alek Jacob vs. Al Schmelz — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Alek Jacob and Al Schmelz are fairly close on the surface numbers. Alek Jacob posted stronger numbers in WHIP (1.216 vs 1.667) and home runs allowed (1.24 per nine innings vs 3). Al Schmelz had the advantage in ERA (3 vs 4.06). By the career numbers, Alek Jacob 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.