Who’s the greatest utility player in Orioles’ history? | MAILBAG

Question: Who is the greatest utility player in Orioles history? From: Timothy Fowler

Answer: Tim, your question provoked a lively debate among a few longtime Oriole writers.

My initial reaction was to say Melvin Mora, who played six positions in 2003 when he was named to the American League All-Star team but began a long run as a third baseman the next season. He ended up playing the second-most games at third in Orioles history, behind only Brooks Robinson.

As Dan Connolly, who began BaltimoreBaseball.com in 2016 reminded me, Mora was so good as a utility player that he ultimately became one of the best third basemen in club history.

In more recent years, Ryan Flaherty was the ultimate utility player. He holds the club record, playing seven positions in 2016. He didn’t play center or catch, and did pitch an inning. Flaherty was a valuable player but hit only .215 in six seasons. During those seasons, the Orioles had J.J. Hardy, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop in the infield.

Blaze Alexander was off to a good start this season, playing six positions, but played only 93 games. Perhaps he’ll make himself so valuable that he’ll find a full-time position.

During the great Oriole seasons of 1969-1972, they had Chico Salmon, who played the infield positions but was stuck behind Brooks Robinson, Mark Belanger, Davey Johnson and Boog Powell and rarely played.

Question: The Rays turned Bryan Baker into arguably the best closer in baseball this season — almost instantly — while he treaded water for years in Baltimore. They had him drop the slider and go with a fastball and changeup. Why couldn’t the O’s coaches figure this out? From: Michael Taylor, Virginia Beach

Answer: Michael, Steven Salop also has a similar question. Tampa Bay has done a great job of turning around players overlooked or undervalued elsewhere. As pointed out during Game 4, 17 of their 26 players were acquired by trade.

Baker was a decent reliever with the Orioles, and he’s been terrific for Tampa Bay. I’m not sure why the Orioles coaches didn’t make that adjustment with him.

However, the Orioles have done a good job finding relievers who didn’t have success elsewhere — Rico Garcia, Josh Walker and Yennier Cano — and turning them around.

Félix Bautista was released by Miami and blossomed with the Orioles.

This happens in baseball all the time, especially with relievers.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.