John Smoltz vs. Roy Thomas — Career Comparison

John Smoltz built a career as a starting pitcher and Roy Thomas 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 strikeout rate (K%+ 124 vs 109), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 107 vs 99), and run prevention (ERA+ 106 vs 100). Roy Thomas held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 121 vs 106). Role difference aside, John Smoltz holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.