Scot Shields vs. R. Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Scot Shields and R. Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Scot Shields posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.18 vs 9) and WHIP (1.274 vs 1.800). R. Smith had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 0.71). By the career numbers, Scot 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.