Trade deadline status and other lingering questions

If questions about the 2020 baseball season could be used as currency, I'd be able to afford all the toilet paper in the land.

I'd also make donations to the Maryland Food Bank and assorted charities, but there would be lots and lots of toilet paper.

I'm wondering exactly how a late start is going to impact the trade deadline.

Does it still exist? Does the date get pushed back?

The Orioles traded veteran pitcher Andrew Cashner to the Red Sox on July 13, 2019 for two Rookie-level Dominican Summer League outfielders. They couldn't swing another deal beyond sending pitcher Dan Straily to the Phillies in a cash transaction.

Starter Alex Cobb and outfielder Mark Trumbo were supposed to be chips, but injuries destroyed their value and the plan. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias had some discussions regarding reliever Mychal Givens and infielder Jonathan Villar, but nothing that tempted him to pull the trigger.

Teams sensed that outfielder Trey Mancini was off the table unless Elias became overwhelmed by an offer.

Mancini's status for 2020 is uncertain after he underwent surgery on March 12 to remove a malignant tumor in his colon. Givens remains in the bullpen and Cobb is viewed as the No. 2 starter behind John Means, the blister he developed late in spring training long gone.

The Orioles signed shortstop José Iglesias to a one-year contract that contains an option for 2021. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias spoke about the value in having Iglesias in the organization beyond one season while it tries to develop middle infielders.

"Adding a stable infielder to the mix, especially one who is a great shortstop like José is, it's just going to stabilize the infield situation for us the next couple years as these young players - whether it's Richie (Martin) or other guys - start sticking their head up here and getting their first experience at the major league level," Elias said on Jan. 7.

"I just think José is a stabilizing force there. It's going to be big for everybody."

One of the beneficiaries could be the team that acquires him over the summer, getting a plus-plus defender for a playoff push. At least in a normal season when buyers and sellers conduct their business in July.

Iglesias would have been on the table, with the Orioles appreciating the wisdom in holding onto him or getting something in return as a rebuilding club. But who knows how executives are going to approach a truncated season that could more closely resemble exhibitions, given some of the suggested formats?

Games played in only two or three states. Realigned divisions and a round-robin setup. Inflated roster sizes.

They range from dumb to possibly workable.

At least the Orioles didn't trade away prospects over the winter as buyers are programmed to do. The sellers get their minor leaguers and wait for the green light to reopen camp.

There are a few other questions, not all of them related to baseball, which have kept me tossing and turning at night. Uncomfortable in bed, worse when I'm driving.

* Will the Orioles be among the teams paying their baseball operations staff through at least May 31?

This is correct. I received confirmation yesterday. The count via various reports has risen to 22 clubs.

A spokesperson for the club also said that all full-time and year-round, part-time staff will be paid through the end of May.

* Will my first grandchild be a boy or a girl?

I'll find out Tuesday with the "gender reveal." My only preference is for good health. Nothing else matters.

I'm practicing virtual diaper changing. That's a thing, right?

* Are haircuts really classified as non-essential during a pandemic?

If this goes on much longer, my co-workers are going to wonder who invited Cousin Itt to the Zoom call.

* Is it odd to anyone else that liquor stores are deemed essential?

I'm just happy that I can blur my vision before looking in the mirror.

* Is it really true that broadcaster Joe Buck turned down a $1 million offer to provide play-by-play on adult live cam shows?

Too bad. John Madden was going to lend his telestrator.

* Would there be halftime highlights?

I'd love to hear Howard Cosell say, "He ... could ... go ... all ... the ... way."

* Are you willing to share your favorite guilty pleasure sports movie - one that you aren't proud to admit is a must-watch?

I'll do it. "The Best of Times," with Robin Williams and Kurt Russell.

Williams, as Jack, is haunted by a dropped pass from star quarterback Reno, played by Russell, in their high school championship game and goes to great lengths to organize a rematch in order to redeem himself. The opposing coach is his father-in-law.

I'm fairly certain, without doing any research, that the 1986 film didn't win any awards. But I thoroughly enjoy it - especially the scene where Williams' character tries to sneak peeks at a "Monday Night Football" game while dining with his estranged wife.