J. J. Putz vs. Bud Smith — Career Comparison

Bud Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and J. J. Putz as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. J. J. Putz posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.08 and WHIP 1.184 compared to 4.95 and 1.500 for Bud Smith. By the career numbers, J. J. Putz had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.