Brian Schmack vs. Joe Sparma — Career Comparison

Joe Sparma built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Schmack as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Brian Schmack posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.46 and WHIP 1.385 compared to 3.94 and 1.417 for Joe Sparma. By the career numbers, Brian Schmack had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.