John Smoltz vs. Phil Stockman — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Phil Stockman as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Phil Stockman posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 0.79 and WHIP 1.324 compared to 3.33 and 1.200 for John Smoltz. By the career numbers, Phil Stockman had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.