Lee Smith vs. Kerry Wood — Career Comparison

Kerry Wood built a career as a starting pitcher and Lee Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Kerry Wood led in strikeout rate (K%+ 155 vs 128), run prevention (ERA+ 120 vs 109), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 113 vs 112). Lee Smith held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 104 vs 75). Keeping the role difference in mind, the edge still goes to Kerry Wood.