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]