Back in March, in Fort Myers, Fla., the bus was late picking up the Red Sox minor leaguers for an exhibition that day in Sarasota. Jeff Bailey grumbled about it, and then caught himself.

"I remember first coming up and being around older players always complaining. And now listen to me," he said, a smile quickly back on his face.

Bailey rarely complained. He was a second-round draft pick in 1997, out of high school. Bailey had the prospect label. But it was not until after 10 years of grinding it out in the minor leagues that Bailey finally got his shot in the majors.

I never thought I would see it happen with the Red Sox. Back in March, I asked Baiiley why he re-siged with Boston, a team loaded with talent. Bailey cited the comfort level with the organization and that "they know me."

Bailey, who played for the Sea Dogs for three different seasons (2001, '04, '05), finally got his call to the bigs Friday night, helping fill the Red Sox void at first base, with Kevin Youkilis ailing.

It is a great story about staying positive. Of course, Bailey wanted to make the majors, but he always realized he was blessed to be able to keep playing baseball.

Bailey, 28, went 0-for-4 on a night when most of the Red Sox were not hitting. Hopefully, he will get a chance for his first major league hit.

And while we are on the subject about staying positive ... Boston manager Terry Francona said that a big part of a players development is being able to handle being sent back down to the minors. Call it the Pout Factor. Here is how Jacoby Ellsbury handled it Friday: a combined 4-for-7 in a doubleheader, with 3 runs, 3 RBI and a homer.

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