Mike Paxton vs. Dave Smith — Career Comparison

Mike Paxton built a career as a starting pitcher and Dave Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Mike Paxton led in walk avoidance (BB%+ 124 vs 100), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 111 vs 104), and strikeout rate (K%+ 95 vs 89). Dave Smith held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 198 vs 133). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Mike Paxton.