

By Cathy Ruse
Birth control mandate a sin against liberty
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Manny Ramirez felt pretty good _ despite all the boos and the three strikeouts.
The state of Rhode Island is having trouble collecting some of the millions it lent former pitcher Curt Schilling, another reminder why chasing celebrity is almost always a bad thing.

Yu Darvish struck out three in two scoreless innings and made a run-saving play in his spring training debut during the Texas Rangers' 6-2 win over a split squad of San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Corey Hart needs surgery on his right knee that will sideline him for up to a month.
After watching the YouTube promotional video of the five-tool outfielder with a sculpted body and freakish athleticism, the Oakland Athletics were eager to see Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes up close.
NL MVP Ryan Braun said all along that his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test would be overturned. He was right.
Manny Ramirez is expected to join Oakland at its spring training facility on Friday, yet another part of the Athletics' offseason overhaul.
Manny Ramirez and the Oakland Athletics have reached agreement on a minor league contract.
Of all the story lines threading their way across spring training, Ryan Braun's is the most delicate, not to mention the juiciest.

Decked out in Angels gear from head to toe, Albert Pujols looked like the same slugger whose swing in St. Louis became as symbolic as the Gateway Arch.
Manny Ramirez found a taker in Oakland _ at a bargain price.
Slugger Manny Ramirez is close to signing a contract with the Oakland Athletics that would be worth approximately $500,000, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Monday.
The Baltimore Orioles are no longer interested in free agent slugger Manny Ramirez.
National League MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for a banned substance and is appealing to avoid a 50-game suspension, according to people familiar with the case.
National League MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for a banned substance and is appealing to avoid a 50-game suspension, according to people familiar with the case.
Despite the crowd's reaction, Ramirez said it was the fans that convinced him to return.
"I was working out every day," Ramirez said. "It's about getting the time in and seeing the pitches. I got it now. It's just a matter of timing."