John Smoltz vs. Russ Springer — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Russ Springer as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. John Smoltz led in home run suppression (HR9+ 106 vs 63), strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 99), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 85). Russ Springer held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 116 vs 91). Role difference aside, John Smoltz holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.