John Smoltz vs. Justin Sterner — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Justin Sterner as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Justin Sterner posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.13 and WHIP 1.116 compared to 3.33 and 1.200 for John Smoltz. By the career numbers, Justin Sterner had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.