Flaherty gets his first look at Camden Yards

Infielder Ryan Flaherty participated in the three-day mini-camp this week at Camden Yards and noticed that the ballpark might favor the hitters. Flaherty is hoping to test that theory this summer. The Orioles selected Flaherty in the Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings, which automatically classifies him as a long shot to make the club in spring training, but he'll give it his best shot. "I'm just going to make sure I come into camp ready to go, and whatever happens happen," said Flaherty, who hit a combined .280/.347/.478 last year with 31 doubles, three triples, 19 homers and 88 RBIs at the Double-A and Triple-A levels of the Chicago Cubs' farm system. "I can't control the rest. Just come into camp ready to go." Flaherty can move around the infield, and he's also played left field and right field. "Wherever is fine with me," he said. "I talked to them a little bit about my positioning and I'm going to talk to them more in the next few weeks." A Cubs official notified Flaherty that the Orioles chose him in the Rule 5 draft. "It was exciting," he said. "It's a good opportunity for me." Meanwhile, I'm listening to the latest fan forum, and a woman just told Mark Reynolds that she's noticed how he doesn't always pay attention on the field. The place erupted in laughter. "Did you have a question," Reynolds said, "or are you just taking a dig at me?" Good stuff. I wonder if she also noticed that he's dropped weight. He's noticeably thinner.