Francisco Rodriguez vs. Chris Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Francisco Rodriguez and Chris Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Francisco Rodriguez posted stronger numbers in ERA (4.43 vs 5.41) and home runs allowed (1.03 per nine innings vs 2.13). Chris Smith had the advantage in WHIP (1.351 vs 1.525). 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.