Scot Shields vs. John Smoltz — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Scot Shields as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Scot Shields led in run prevention (ERA+ 137 vs 106), home run suppression (HR9+ 115 vs 106), and walk avoidance (BB%+ 96 vs 91). John Smoltz held the edge in strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 109). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Scot Shields.