Brian Shackelford vs. Steve Smyth — Career Comparison

Steve Smyth built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Shackelford as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Brian Shackelford posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.11 and WHIP 1.283 compared to 9.35 and 1.692 for Steve Smyth. By the career numbers, Brian Shackelford had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.