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Bailey stays upbeat in return to PawSox |
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Wednesday, 03 June 2009 |
By BRENDAN McGAIR
Sports writer
PAWTUCKET – The past six weeks of Jeff Bailey’s baseball life bore changes out of necessity. Injuries and inconsistent efforts had ravished the Red Sox, transforming the 30-year-old Bailey from something else besides “career minor leaguer” and “mayor of Pawtucket.”
Bailey cast aside those tried-and-true monikers to become a reliable and dependable option for Boston manager Terry Francona. For someone who’s returned to the Red Sox season after season, only to be relegated to the PawSox, the time spent enjoying first class amenities big league clubs are spoiled with was definitely a payoff long overdue.
Eventually all good things must cease. For Bailey, that came Tuesday when he returned to Pawtucket, a move designed to clear up an active roster spot for Mark Kotsay. Patrolling the McCoy Stadium turf for the first time since April 20, the time seemed appropriate for Bailey to offer some reflection on easily his longest stretch in the majors.
“(With the PawSox) is my opportunity to play again. I wish I could have done better, but hopefully I’ll get another chance,” said Bailey, noting the 69 at-bats he garnered with Boston in which he batted .188 (13-for-69) with three home runs and nine RBI. “I’ll get my crud together down here, figure it out again … that’s what I’m going to try and do.”
There was probably a point not too long ago when Bailey wondered if his chance would ever arrive with the Red Sox. The longest tenured member of the PawSox (since 2004) had seen numerous minor league teammates depart after discovering Boston had no room for them. To his credit, Bailey refused to change addresses, believing things would eventually break in his favor.
Now he’s officially “in play,” an option the Red Sox no doubt have in mind whenever a need arises.
“I think he’s a smart one,” said PawSox skipper Ron Johnson when queried about Bailey’s decision to plant roots with Boston. “He’s built relationships, and they have all been earned. He’s gone out and put up numbers, but he’s also been a loyal player to this organization. I think that’s been recognized, and if you combine that with ability, that’s going to create opportunities.”
Bailey’s opening was created when Rocco Baldelli and Kevin Youkilis made trips to the disabled list. Mark Kotsay’s setback with his rehab granted Bailey more time in Boston, something that wasn’t lost on the reigning International League MVP.
One situation Bailey finds himself closely monitoring centers around Baldelli’s health. “I hate to say it, but with Rocco, (the muscle fatigue condition) he’s got is pretty nasty and wears on you. (The call to fill the Rhode Island native’s shoes) could come tomorrow, the next day or in a month, depending on how he’s going.”
Bailey attributed his anemic batting average with the BoSox as the result of not being as familiar with the pitchers. Still, for someone who is currently out-homering David Ortiz, Bailey feels he did nothing to hurt his stock.
“I think Tito was happy with the defense (at first base), it was probably a little more than they expected,” said Bailey. “Francona really didn’t say anything until the end. It was a numbers game; with Kotsay coming back, down the totem pole I go.”
His firsthand account allowed Bailey to marvel at how Boston has kept itself in the thick of the A.L. East, this despite numerous bouts of turbulence.
“I am surprised, to be honest with you. I know some of the (starters’) ERA’s have been high, but everyone up there attacks the zone,” he said. “We never got blown out once while I was up there, there wasn’t a game when Tito had to yell down the bench and say ‘You’re in the game.’
“Once everything comes together, watch out.”
What has helped make Bailey more attractive in the eyes of the front office folks is his willingness to expand his defensive resume. Drafted a catcher by the Florida Marlins in second round back in 1997, Bailey long ago discarded the shin guards and chest protector in favor of becoming a first baseman and an outfielder.
Bailey had a flashback when he warmed up Daisuke Matsuzaka between innings last week in Minnesota. That was enough for him to not deviate from his current game plan, which is apparently good enough in the eyes of the Red Sox.
“I started recently picking up George (Kottaras) and Jason (Varitek) at the end of games when they’re on-base,” said Bailey. “Daisuke threw a slider that pegged a bicep, so there’s no serious thought (about revisiting his backstop roots).”
“I’m probably one of his biggest backers on that because I know he can go back there and run a game,” said Johnson.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 08 June 2009 )
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