"Chris can really really throw. A lot of times that doesn't play on the mound. I've seen guys with big arms but don't throw well. I've seen guys that can somehow gather themselves and get downhill," Showalter said. "But I was more interested in the reaction of the dugout, because everybody's eyes went right there [to the scoreboard radar reading]. When I heard something, it must've been decent, and I looked up there and I said, 'OK.'"
Around the horn
The Orioles held an on-field pre-game ceremony, attended by all the players, to honor Showalter's 1,000th win, which came May 1 at Yankee Stadium. He was presented with the game ball and scorecard from the victory. The club also donated $10,000 to Showalter and his wife Angela's designated charity, KidsPeace. … In a closed ceremony, the Rangers presented five Orioles — former Rangers Endy Chavez, Davis, Hunter, Darren O'Day and Pedro Strop — with 2011 American League championship rings. Taylor Teagarden, who is on the disabled list, will receive his at a later date. Rangers' assistant general manager Thad Levine, a Northern Virginia native, made the presentation. … Berken's back in Baltimore for the second time this season. He didn't pitch in his first stint. … Lefty Nathan Moreau, the club's 11th round pick in 2008, has retired, the High-A Frederick Keys announced.
