Erik Swanson vs. John Valentine — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Erik Swanson and John Valentine are fairly close on the surface numbers. John Valentine posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.53 vs 4.2) and home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 1.66). Erik Swanson had the advantage in WHIP (1.154 vs 1.441). By the career numbers, John Valentine had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.