Art Smith vs. Merkin Valdez — Career Comparison

Art Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and Merkin Valdez as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Merkin Valdez posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.57 and WHIP 1.789 compared to 11.57 and 3.000 for Art Smith. By the career numbers, Merkin Valdez had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.