If Basallo is real deal, would Orioles extend or trade Rutschman? | MAILBAG

Question: If Samuel Basallo is the real deal, and two long home runs suggest he is, would the team be less likely to extend Adley Rutschman or more likely to trade him in two years? From: Michael Janofsky

Answer: Michael, there’s a lot to unpack there. First, 20-year-old Samuel Basallo hasn’t played in the majors, and even though he’s been impressive during spring training, he has to prove himself as an Oriole.

Rutschman needs to bounce back to increase his value so that he can be considered for an extension.

It’s not inconceivable that Basallo and Rutschman can coexist and make the Orioles a stronger club. Basallo can play first base and DH. Rutschman can DH.

In the 1950s, the Yankees had one of the greatest catchers of all-time, Yogi Berra, and promoted Elston Howard. At first, Howard played first base and the outfield while Berra made most of the starts behind the plate. As Howard’s career progressed, he made more starts at catcher, and the result of Howard’s addition and Berra’s retention was the Yankees’ continued dominance. 

Question: Will the Orioles improve the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota by installing the Hawk-Eye cameras and other system components for Statcast and the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS)? If so, any info about when? From: David Keller 

Answer: David, Ed Smith Stadium and the other Grapefruit League parks that don’t have Florida State League teams — Atlanta’s Cool Today Park and Boston’s JetBlue Park — would have to install ABS for 2026, if as expected the system is added. As for the rest of Ed Smith Stadium, a new video board is expected for next season and renovations are planned in the future to enhance fan experiences, but there are no firm plans.

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.