When Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson needed a new leadoff hitter for a potentially potent lineup, he was not afraid to turn to an unusual source.

Jeff Bailey, a former catcher now playing first base and the outfield, had never filled the position before in a twelve year professional career.

Bailey settled into the assignment quickly, getting the job done in an unconventional way.

“Jeff’s not a typical leadoff guy,” Johnson said of Bailey, who has 19 homers and just three stolen bases.

He tapped Bailey, leading the International League in slugging, for a new way to ignite the league’s highest-scoring offense while lifting the PawSox to a share of the top spot in the IL.

“We started this (April 28) for a few reasons,” Johnson said. “He has a really good knowledge of the strike zone. He has average running speed: He can run; he’s a good athlete.

“And, we have the opportunity to be leading after the first at-bat of the game.”
Bailey has hit first-inning homers...

Continued...

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