R. Smith vs. Thaddeus Ward — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, R. Smith and Thaddeus Ward are fairly close on the surface numbers. Thaddeus Ward posted stronger numbers in ERA (6.37 vs 9) and WHIP (1.642 vs 1.800). R. Smith had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 1.78). By the career numbers, Thaddeus Ward 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.