Flaherty catching up on another position

If you are a keen observer between innings of games at Camden Yards, your focus shifting from the hot dog race or Smile Cam, you may have noticed utility infielder Ryan Flaherty squatting behind home plate to warm up the pitcher.

That's supposed to be a catcher's task, with the backup handling it if the starter makes the last out and is putting on his gear.

Flaherty has been spotted multiple times and he's taking it seriously while also having fun.

Before batting practice on Wednesday, Flaherty headed out to the field with Caleb Joseph and performed drills. He wasn't following orders or taking a hint. He just felt the urge and ran with it.

"I was just kind of messing around," he said. "Went out there on my own just to mess around with the guys."

Does it have anything to do with being the emergency catcher?

"Well, yeah, but it's just kind of fun to go out there and mess around," Flaherty said.

"I was just throwing down to second. Sometimes between innings I'll go out there and warm up the pitcher. Keeps you a little loose on the bench. It's fun to go out there."

Flaherty has played 179 games at second base in the majors, 89 at third base, 54 at shortstop, 35 in the outfield and 23 at first base. He started in right field yesterday.

His catching experience?

"Zero," he said, grinning.

Being the emergency catcher plays off his versatility. The assumption is he can handle it. And just to make sure, he's getting pointers from bench coach and former major league catcher John Russell.

"I think the utility guy kind of gets stuck with it," Flaherty said. "I've worked with J.R. a few times."

Meanwhile, three Orioles are celebrating birthdays today. Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard is 25, catcher Matt Wieters is 30 and assistant hitting coach Mark Quinn is 42.

Manager Buck Showalter celebrates the big 6-0 on Monday.