Mr. Ortiz Goes to Washington

So, the Red Sox went to Washington today to meet with President Bush. Personal politics aside, this is pretty sweet, even if it's just for the photo galleries. (Beckett as President? How AMAZING would that be? Also, Dice-K: how adorable is he?)

I give props to President Bush for the following:

On Manny's absence: "Manny Ramirez isn't here, I guess his grandmother died again."

On Papelbot's appropriate attire: "And how about Jonanthan Papelbon? The guy pitches almost as well as he dances. And I appreciate the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants."

Finally, the kicker: "I'd like welcome Dice-K to the White House South Lawn," Bush said of Matsuzaka. "His press corps is bigger than mine."

Bush then paused.

"And we both have trouble answering questions in English."

Your leader of the free world, ladies and gents.

For more funny quotes of the player variety, the Herald has an excellent article you should probably take a look at.

In other leadership news, everyone's favorite Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy was sworn in as President of the Red Sox Nation today by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Now, I don't have a problem with Remy personally, I think he's hilarious and is one of the reasons I need to get satellite next year so I can watch NESN every day. What I DO have a problem with is this whole "President of the Red Sox Nation" thing. First of all, to be able to participate in said "Nation," according to the Sox, you have to pay a base fee of $14.95 for a little card proclaiming your membership. When they started this a couple years ago, I nearly fell out of my chair. Why should I have to pay to be a part of something that I was born into? My parents named me after one of the greatest Sox players ever, and scarred the Sox into my psyche forever starting with the 1986 play-offs. I refuse to pay for something that is literally in my genetic make-up. No matter how awesome Rem-dog is, I chafe at the thought that there is some Sox fan overlord elected in a money-making ploy by upper management.

That's enough ranting from me. Only 1 day and 20 hours until the first Spring Training game!!!