Sharing some questions and curiosities

I have questions.

The issue is how none of them can be answered and I'm not known for my patience.

Pitchers and catchers are supposed to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex on Feb. 16, but booking travel now seems like wasted energy with the possibility of a COVID-related delay.

Not only am I unsure about the chances of spring training starting on the time, I have no idea whether media will be granted access. The whole production could be done again over Zoom.

If allowed inside the gates, the beat crew could be kept out of the media workroom and baseball operations building - including the clubhouse, which was off limits shortly before the shutdown.

We could be redirected to the outdoor overflow seating at the ballpark. Better than nothing, but far from ideal with the extended separation from players.

I'd also like to know whether baseball can produce a minor league season or it's back to Bowie and the alternate camp site.

I'd like confirmation that the Orioles will have an affiliate in Bowie.

I'd like Double Stuf Oreos to be healthy, but let's stay on topic.

My player-specific questions also qualify as curiosities, which rolls right off the tongue.

I want to know whether John Means is ready to be a true No. 1 starter. A staff ace that earns the title beyond the fact that he's pitching on a rebuilding club.

Means fit the description in his last four starts, when he posted a 1.52 ERA with four earned runs over 23 2/3 innings, walked three batters, struck out 30 and held opponents to a .146 average. Took the velocity down a notch, regained his command and dominated.

A healthy Means would have been the opening day starter. He deserves the honor in 2021 and will get it as long as he avoids the injured list.

Ryan Mountcastle qualifies as a rookie next season, but I want to know whether playing in 35 games makes him qualify for a sophomore slump.

I don't expect it to happen, but what's the cutoff for a sophomore slump? I'm not sure whether Mountcastle actually completed his freshman year if he didn't reach the majors until Aug. 21 and remains a rookie next summer.

But seriously, I want to know if Mountcastle can take the next step and become an established hitter in the middle of the order. Should be fun to watch.

I want to know whether Adley Rutschman is going to make his major league debut in 2021.

The loss of a minor league season didn't ruin his chances. He's expected to be assigned to Double-A rather than high Single-A and could have his contract selected later in the summer.

This is due to his work at the alternate camp site and fall instructional camp. The experience gained and the impression made.

Talk to anyone who watched him and they'll say he's a special talent. There are people in the industry who believe he's ready to be the starting catcher.

The Orioles are likely to put his debut on hold, but it's coming.

I want to know whether Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer earned spots in the rotation or if they must be won in spring training.

My take is they'd have to pitch themselves out of the rotation, which is always possible. Poor performances in camp won't be ignored. But they're slotted into the rotation when pitchers and catchers report.

At least one veteran starter will be signed to a major or minor league deal. The field of candidates isn't set. However, I'm still betting on Akin and Kremer to avoid Triple-A.

Give them the keys and let them drive.

I want to know whether Austin Hays can stay healthy for a full season and own center field. I want to know how the Orioles are going to construct their outfield and use the designated hitter spot. I want to know whether Alex Cobb becomes a trade chip, which can't happen to José Iglesias because he's already been dealt.

I want to know who's playing shortstop on opening day.

I wanna know what love is. I want you to show me. (Never mind. Sorry.)

I wanted to know whether the Orioles were going to non-tender anyone from a group that included Hanser Alberto, Pedro Severino, Pat Valaika, Shawn Armstrong and Yolmer Sánchez.

Our curiosity was satisfied Wednesday night.

Alberto is a free agent, with the possibility of a return on a more team-friendly deal.

The Orioles tendered contracts to Trey Mancini and Anthony Santander, with their salaries TBD. Severino gets $1,825 million, Sánchez $1 million, Armstrong $825,000 and Valaika $875,000 if he's in the majors and $300,000 in the minors.