R. Smith vs. Phillips Valdez — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, R. Smith and Phillips Valdez are fairly close on the surface numbers. Phillips Valdez posted stronger numbers in ERA (4.56 vs 9) and WHIP (1.451 vs 1.800). R. Smith had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 0.88). By the career numbers, Phillips Valdez had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.