Coffee Companion -- 7/11: Red Sox rough up the reeling Orioles

Each morning, Monday through Friday, I'll hook you up with reading material to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday -- that way I'll have an excuse to do the same at the start of mine. 

Running it back:

The Orioles quietly packed their belongings Sunday afternoon and dispersed to various parts of the country after another loss to the Red Sox extended their losing streak to seven games. ... The contentious four-game series in Boston ended with four more ejections and manager Buck Showalter criticizing the umpires. ... Shortstop J.J. Hardy is hopeful that a contract extension can be agreed upon during the All-Star break. ... Zach Britton was demoted to Double-A Bowie on Saturday, a move that not only could extend his season, but could gain the Orioles an extra year of the pitcher's services. ... The United States stunned Brazil in the Women's World Cup.

Hitting the links:

1. Peter Schmuck says it was good to see this sort of fight left in the Orioles, but wonders if it will help [Baltimore Sun]

2. Jeff Zrebiec chimes in on Friday's brawl [Orioles Insider]

3. Here's what the Orioles had to say about the incident between Kevin Gregg and David Ortiz [Orioles Insider]

4. Here’s to Kevin Gregg, and here’s to a sign of life for the Orioles [Loss Column]

5. Baseball America on the Orioles' international efforts [MASN]

6. I wish the Orioles would give away MC Hammer bobbleheads [MLB.com]

7. Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb is excited about -- not upset at -- the arrival of Jimmy Smith [Baltimore Sun]

8. Which cornerback would you keep? [Ravens.com]

9. Check out Joe Flacco's wedding photos [Baltimore Sun]

10. Speaking of Flacco, he was honored by Jamison Hensley as the best quarterback in Ravens history [Ravens Insider]

11. Jamal Lewis and Sam Gash were named to Jamison's All-Ravens team on Sunday [Ravens Insider]

12. After coming out as gay, former Maryland football player Akil Patterson feels he has a second chance [Baltimore Sun]

13. The Caps now have ties to "Slap Shot" [Capitals Insider]

You said it:  

"But the burning question is: can his wife handle punt formations, or do they need to bring in a long snapper?" -- reader Alysandir has some concerns about the Ravens signing Dana Flacco

Video of the morning: 

Check out Abby Wambach's game-tying goal in Sunday's thriller against the Brazilians [Big Lead]

Send me your funny and/or interesting links, photos, YouTube videos, blogs, Tweets, comments, emails, ideas, etc. If I deem them to be worthy for the blog, I’ll give you a plug. You can reach me at [e-mail] and twitter.com/mattvensel.