John Smiley vs. Brian Van Belle — Career Comparison

John Smiley built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Van Belle as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. John Smiley posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.8 and WHIP 1.242 compared to 5.4 and 1.560 for Brian Van Belle. By the career numbers, John Smiley had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.