Cory Lidle vs. Josh Smoker — Career Comparison

Cory Lidle built a career as a starting pitcher and Josh Smoker as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Cory Lidle posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.57 and WHIP 1.353 compared to 5.35 and 1.797 for Josh Smoker. By the career numbers, Cory Lidle had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.