Manuel Rodriguez vs. Red Smith — Career Comparison

Red Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and Manuel Rodriguez as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Manuel Rodriguez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 2.99 and WHIP 1.238 compared to 3.19 and 1.441 for Red Smith. By the career numbers, Manuel Rodriguez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.