Mailbag

Who is Orioles’ ‘Alpha Dog?’ | MAILBAG

Question: Who would you consider the “alpha dog” in the Orioles’ clubhouse? From: Michael Soldavini

Answer: Michael, that’s a question I hadn’t contemplated before. For the moment, I would say Adley Rutschman is the “alpha dog,” but Tyler O’Neill with his chiseled body and attention to body building could grow into that role.

Question: How does Samuel Basallo talk to the pitchers if he needs an interpreter? From: Tony D’Angelo

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Answer: Tony, Basallo uses an interpreter for interviews. His English has improved markedly, and soon may not choose to use one for interviews. Many players decide to use interpreters to make sure their thoughts are clear. He’s able to communicate well enough in English, as is Gary Sánchez, who also uses an interpreter, to deal effectively with pitchers.

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.

 

Scroll Down to LEAVE A COMMENT

Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.

Share
Published by
Rich Dubroff

Recent Posts

  • Minors

Orioles utility prospect Brandon Butterworth: ‘I love being on the field. I love being available’

In the biggest transaction of the Orioles’ tumultuous trade deadline in July 2025, Baltimore received…

November 1, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles decline Robert’s 2027 option, remove Suárez from roster

The Orioles continued making moves on Halloween night, creating more room on their 40-man roster.…

October 31, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ retention of Hinds begins offseason of unexpected moves

Watching how a team is constructed is perhaps the thing I enjoy most about my…

October 31, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles decline option on Eflin’s 2027 contract, sign Hinds to ’27 deal

In a move that was widely expected, the Orioles declined their half of a mutual…

October 30, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

With World Series over, decision time is here for Orioles

With the World Series ending on Wednesday night, free agency is underway, and the Orioles…

October 30, 2026