Was John Smoltz a Better Pitcher than Tom Glavine?

Two of the great pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) were Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. Both pitchers had their share of successes and faced unique challenges throughout their careers. This article delves deep into why some may believe one of them to be the better pitcher, despite a close match in terms of achievements and statistics.

The Numbers Game

In terms of raw numbers, Tom Glavine holds the upper hand. He won 305 games during his career, while John Smoltz won 213. Additionally, Smoltz had 154 saves, compared to none for Glavine. Despite Smoltz having fewer career wins, his per game performance was notably stronger. His career win_share was 155.5, compared to Glavine’s 135.6. Smoltz also had 154 saves, while Glavine managed none, indicating his proficiency as a reliever and closer over the years.

The Career Health and Endurance

One of the standout differences between these two pitchers is their health records. Glavine was known for his longevity and ability to remain healthy. Glavine made 30 or more starts in each season between 1990 and 2007, except during the 1994–95 strike seasons. His ability to consistently start 30 or more games each year speaks volumes about his durability and reliability. On the other hand, Smoltz was less consistent in terms of health, with a slightly shorter career span.

Postseason Performance

When it comes to postseason performance, John Smoltz was undoubtedly the superior pitcher during his prime. In 209 career postseason innings, he notched 15–4 with a outstanding ERA of 2.67 and four saves. Glavine, in his 218.1 innings, had a less impressive record of 14–16 with an ERA of 3.30. These numbers indicate that Smoltz was clutch during clutch moments and was able to step up in big games.

Overall Career Value

While Smoltz might have had a stronger performance in postseasons, Tom Glavine had a more impressive overall career value. His career BWAR (batting with run average) was 80.7, compared to Smoltz’s 69.0. This statistic includes both wins above replacement and saves, providing a more comprehensive measure of a pitcher's value to their team.

The Subjective Perspective

Ultimately, whether you consider Smoltz or Glavine to be the better pitcher comes down to perspective. Smoltz might be the right choice for those who value clutch performances, versatility, and postseason dominance. Conversely, Glavine’s ability to consistently deliver in regular season games and his long, injury-free career might be the deciding factor for others. Much like choosing between different ice cream flavors, both choices have their merits.

Conclusion

The debate about whether John Smoltz was a better pitcher than Tom Glavine is one that will continue in baseball circles. While the numbers suggest a marginal edge for Glavine, Smoltz's clutch and versatile performances, particularly in the postseason, make him a strong contender. The answer may indeed lie in the eye of the beholder, reflecting the unique qualities and contributions each pitcher made during their careers.