Brian Smith vs. Charlie Sproull — Career Comparison

Charlie Sproull built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Charlie Sproull posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.94 and WHIP 1.826 compared to 10.38 and 1.846 for Brian Smith. By the career numbers, Charlie Sproull had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.