Coffee Companion for July 24, 2012

Each morning, Monday through Friday, we'll hook you up with some reading material to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday.  

** Ravens first-round pick Courtney Upshaw will begin training camp on the non-football injury list. Guard Eric Steinbach, who missed the entire 2011 season with a back injury, will work out for the Ravens after the team announced it would be releasing guard Howard Barbieri.

** The Orioles have been in contact with other teams about acquiring a corner infielder. The Indians snapped the Orioles' five-game winning streak last night, as a tough stretch looms.  

** Although Maryland’s sanctions were different, Gary Williams can relate to Penn State coach Bill O’Brien. Williams kept the program alive during that time, however. This year’s Terps football team is projected to finish last in the ACC's Atlantic Division. Many Baltimore=-area players are considering various options after Penn State’s program was leveled with sanctions.

** A terrific 1,000th episode of WWE Raw was capped with an unexpected ending.

Best of the local blogs

** Baltimore Sports Report writes about why Maryland football is important.

** Baltimore Gridiron Report takes a look at the Ravens’ position battle at defensive end.

** Baltimore Sports and Life examines what the Orioles' main needs are.

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