J. D. Smart vs. Fernando Valenzuela — Career Comparison

Fernando Valenzuela built a career as a starting pitcher and J. D. Smart as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Fernando Valenzuela posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.54 and WHIP 1.343 compared to 5.35 and 1.426 for J. D. Smart. By the career numbers, Fernando Valenzuela had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.