Al Schmelz vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Al Schmelz as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Al Schmelz posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3 and WHIP 1.667 compared to 3.33 and 1.200 for John Smoltz. By the career numbers, Al Schmelz had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.