It’s seldom clear when you’re trying to read between the lines, but something seems off in the relationship between manager Craig Albernaz and catcher Samuel Basallo.
The story and speculation has unfolded in disparate parts, exposing either a misunderstanding or an issue the Orioles don’t need as they try to regain the footing they seemed to have found when they went 7-3 before a four-game losing streak that ended with Wednesday night’s 7-2 win over the Seattle Mariners. Sam Huff has been the Orioles’ starting catcher for all three games against Seattle, with Adley Rutschman out because of a sore hamstring and Basallo available off the bench because of what Albernaz said is a “bony growth in his wrist.”
It’s what he said afterward, and the response it has generated, that has fueled speculation that the first-year manager and the 21-year-old catcher aren’t on the same page at the moment.
On Monday, after Albernaz revealed the bony growth in Basallo’s left wrist, he added: “It’s one of those things where it’s going to be uncomfortable. It’s something that he’s always had … With Sammy, it’s knowing his body and playing through some things and knowing that he can play. It’s one of those things where we’re going to have to learn on the fly.
“He’s shown the talent, the impact the skills he can make with us. It’s real. This is another step in his development, knowing how to play through some pain and not being 100 percent all the time.”
Basallo came off the bench to pinch-hit in the eighth and launched a deep fly to center that looked as if it were going to be a game-winning home run when it left the bat. Instead, Mariners centerfielder Julio Rodriguez turned it into an inning-ending, run-saving double play.
Before Tuesday’s game, Basallo sounded defensive when a reporter asked him about Albernaz’s comments. “Everybody plays with pains, everybody plays with injuries and whatever, and I know that because I’ve been through a lot of stuff and it’s just how it is. Some days, I feel fine and I don’t control when they take me out of the game. That’s just how it is, that’s how it works.”
Basallo also pinch-hit in Tuesday night’s 10-inning loss, driving in a run on an infield dribbler.
The intrigue moved to Wednesday, when Albernaz answered a series of questions regarding Basallo.
When asked if he felt Basallo was questioning his toughness, Albernaz said, “No, not at all.”
When asked if keeping Basallo out of the lineup was his call or the Orioles’ medical staff, he said: “Oh, it’s my decision. At the end of the day, I’m the manager of the team and everything falls on me and it’s been my decision. Sometimes, you have to make decisions where it’s not popular decisions, but it’s ultimately what you feel like is best for the team and the players moving forward, and that’s something that I don’t take lightly. In Sammy’s case, to Sammy’s credit, he’s ready. …
“Sammy’s such a great player, smart kid. I keep on talking about — everyone talks about — the talent and the physical tools are there, but he’s such an upright kid, smart kid, especially for 21 years old and being a catcher. It’s a lot on his plate. So with Sammy, we’re playing the long game with Sammy, and we’re here to love and support him.”
The discussion didn’t end there. During Wednesday’s MASN broadcast, Kevin Brown asked Orioles’ Hall of Famer Jim Palmer about his thoughts on the subject.
Palmer showed he still had his fastball: “He’s the manager. He said it’s about accountability. He’s the one responsible for wins and losses. All I know, and I said this Monday night, if you don’t play Adley Rutschman, if you don’t play Samuel Basallo … if I’m one of the Mariners pitchers, I’m elated. I’m joyful. I would send them flowers. If he’s able to play late in the ballgame, I’m surprised he’s not in there, that’s all. I don’t think this is the time, when you’ve lost four in a row, to teach a lesson. I don’t care how young you are. But that’s just my opinion.”
Albernaz wasn’t asked about Palmer’s comments after the game, but he did say this before the game: “There’s no disconnect. Me and Sammy have constant conversations. I love that Sammy’s voicing what he’s feeling. He’s voiced it to me, too. It’s one of those things where it’s like short-term pain for long-term gain.”
The Orioles need Basallo for their long-term gain, making it incumbent upon Albernaz to clear things up with the potential superstar who signed an eight-year, $67 million contract extension last season. It’s time we stop having to read between the lines.