Colon eyeing March 9 debut

Francona likes what he's seen

FORT MYERS, Fla. - One day after reporting to the Red Sox' minor league complex - and throwing for the first time since he pitched in the Caribbean Series Feb. 6 - Bartolo Colon apparently feels good enough to pitch in a game in a little more than a week. Speaking through interpreter Duncan Webb, the team's Latin education coordinator, Colon said yesterday he might be able to pitch in a spring training game March 9.

Whether or not that is the case, manager Terry Francona spoke favorably of Colon's arm after seeing him long-toss (at 60, 90, and 120 feet) Tuesday and yesterday.

"Very pleased," Francona said. "Probably a little bit ahead of where we expected him to be. He went through all the stuff with the medical staff, and first of all, he was very compliant, came through it with, I would say, flying colors."

Coming off two straight unimpressive years because of shoulder and elbow problems, Colon said he would be fine with whatever the Red Sox advised, especially in terms of pitching in the minors to start the season. He said it is their decision, and he will go along with it. But he did seem optimistic about his readiness, saying, "My arm feels good. I just need to progress to a point where my arm starts to feel stronger."

When asked about his conditioning, which seems to be lacking, Colon didn't seem to think significant work would be needed. Though he had just come from the exercise room, including a stint on the stationary bike, he said, "Feel ready now. I'm going to throw a bullpen on Tuesday, so I feel like I'm ready to go."

That might be debatable, despite his contention that he spent the time since the Caribbean Series "exercising, running, working out." Pitching coach John Farrell discussed Colon's weight problems Tuesday. Still, Francona seemed happy with what the Sox saw of the 2005 American League Cy Young Award winner.

Plus, it seems, Colon has a bit of motivation.

"There were other teams offering, but Boston was the only team who approached me aggressively and gave me the opportunity to pitch," he said, adding that the presence of "such a strong group of Latino players," including Manny Ramírez and David Ortiz, helped make his choice easier. "A lot of teams were saying that I couldn't still pitch. I'm trying to take this opportunity to show all those teams that I still can pitch."

White House agog

Red Sox Nation conquered the nation's capital as President Bush feted the World Series champions in a White House celebration that turned the normally orderly Executive Mansion into a stampede of hero-worshipping fans.

Members of Congress, media bigwigs, and White House staff - many with their children and baseballs in tow - craned their necks and jostled for a good spot to snap photos and seek autographs.

"The Mighty Red Sox Nation has stormed the South Lawn," Bush told the roaring crowd.

The festivities even drew Vice President Dick Cheney, seldom seen at the same public event as Bush. Cheney stood quietly off to the side as the president gave a humorous and folksy tribute to the Sox players, coaches, and owners.

Singling out Daisuke Matsuzaka, Bush made reference to the large group of Japanese reporters who were on hand, joking, "His press corps is bigger than mine. We both have trouble answering questions in English."

Throughout, Bush was effusive in his praise for the franchise.

"I love the fact that you've got some of the game's biggest stars," he said. "I mean, Big Papi, the guy lights up the screen. He brings a great personality."

Bush couldn't help but note the absence of Ramírez, who also did not attend the first Red Sox visit to the Bush White House after the 2004 World Series.

"I guess his grandmother died again," Bush quipped, drawing laughter but adding, "Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it.

"And how about Jonathan Papelbon? The guy pitches almost as well as he dances. And I appreciate the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants."

Let the games begin

With games beginning today at City of Palms Park, against Boston College and Northeastern, the major league operation will shift to the other end of Edison Avenue. The conditioning drills have ended, the hitters have gotten their first (frightening) looks at Josh Beckett, and it's finally time to make out a batting order and slot the pitchers into their two-inning stints.

"We're all ready to go, get stuff under way, and get back into your normal routine," Dustin Pedroia said. "See pitches, get your timing down."

Just in case

Free agent Freddy Garcia, who has pitched for the Mariners, White Sox, and Phillies, was in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday morning, getting examined by the team. No signing is likely; rather, the Red Sox wanted to do "due diligence" in checking out the pitcher, according to Francona. Garcia had labrum surgery on his right shoulder in August, ending a disappointing campaign with the Phillies in which he went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 starts. Garcia also recently visited the Mets' camp.

Bryan Bender of the Globe staff contributed to this report from Washington.