R. Smith vs. Robert Whalen — Career Comparison

Robert Whalen built a career as a starting pitcher and R. Smith as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Robert Whalen posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 5.75 and WHIP 1.194 compared to 9 and 1.800 for R. Smith. By the career numbers, Robert Whalen had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.