Open Mic: 'The All-time Baltimore Orioles Infield'

As we move through the first full season without Miguel Tejada the Orioles have yet to find a solution at shortstop.  A combination of young players has proved serviceable, but the uncertainty at shortstop has been an unfamiliar site for a 25 year old Orioles fan.  After Ripken, Bordick and then Tejada, the Orioles have been solid up the middle for my life as an O's fan. 

Regardless of the seemingly unending struggles, the Orioles have had a rich history with infielders, both in groups and with individual talent.  Including one of the best defensive infields in MLB history, with Ripken, Bordick, Alomar, and Palmero around the horn. This glory-day reminiscing has led me to my Open Mic for this week, ‘The All-time Baltimore Orioles Infield.’ I based my selections on thier on-filed success as well as their  importance to the franchise during their respective careers.

P- Jim Palmer (1965-1984)

Where do you start? In 19 seasons Palmer compiled some staggering numbers.  He won 20 games eight times (4 seasons with 15 wins) 3 Cy-Young awards, four strait gold gloves and is the only pitcher to win a WS game in three different decades.  He was easily the best all-time Orioles pitcher leading the team to six AL pennants in his career.  He finished with a 268-152 record with a 2.86 ERA.  A true first ballot hall of famer, he was elected in 1990 with 93% of the vote.

C- Rick Dempsey (1976-1986,1992)

Easily the most un-heralded player on the list, Dempsey is a house hold name for young and old O’s fans alike.  A hard nosed, scrappy player, Dempsey over saw some of the best Orioles pitching staffs in the teams’ history.  He had an above average arm and was a solid defensive catcher, while putting up average numbers at the plate.  He had his biggest moment in 1983 when he won the World Series MVP.  He was 5-13 with four doubles and a Hr against Philadelphia.  He served several times as an O’s coach and is currently an analyst for MASN.

1B- Eddie Murray  (1977-1988, 1996)

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