Al Schmelz vs. Erik Swanson — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Al Schmelz and Erik Swanson are fairly close on the surface numbers. Erik Swanson posted stronger numbers in WHIP (1.154 vs 1.667) and home runs allowed (1.66 per nine innings vs 3). Al Schmelz had the advantage in ERA (3 vs 4.2). By the career numbers, Erik Swanson 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.