Ben Shields vs. Brian Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Ben Shields and Brian Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Ben Shields posted stronger numbers in ERA (8.27 vs 10.38) and home runs allowed (0.65 per nine innings vs 2.08). Brian Smith had the advantage in WHIP (1.846 vs 1.984). By the career numbers, Ben Shields 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.