Francisco Rodriguez vs. Al Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Francisco Rodriguez and Al Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Francisco Rodriguez posted stronger numbers in ERA (4.43 vs 9) and WHIP (1.525 vs 3.000). Al Smith had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 1.03). By the career numbers, Francisco Rodriguez 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.