Derek Lilliquist vs. Art Smith — Career Comparison

Art Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and Derek Lilliquist as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Derek Lilliquist posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.13 and WHIP 1.429 compared to 11.57 and 3.000 for Art Smith. By the career numbers, Derek Lilliquist had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.