PAWTUCKET -- When a minor-league player gains respect and attention from a major-league manager, that's a good thing.

And that's the case for the PawSox' Jeff Bailey. Red Sox manager Terry Francona speaks highly of the first baseman, calling him a "major-league hitter." Unfortunately for Bailey, there's no room in Boston for a first baseman since that position is being manned by Kevin Youkilis. However, Bailey could fall back on his natural position -- catcher.

But there's a problem.

Whether it's physical or mental, Bailey has difficulty throwing the ball when he's behind the plate. The 27-year-old has had surgery on his shoulder, and when he throws a lot he said he can feel it getting worn down.

"It feels like I don't know where the ball is going," he said. "You start aiming rather than throwing."

He's been playing first base for the PawSox for most of the season and is having a solid year at the plate, with 19 homers and 68 RBI. He has yet to reach the majors, but this could have been the week if he had been able to catch.

With Red Sox catchers Jason Varitek and Doug Mirabelli injured, and the club needing to acquire Javier Lopez yesterday, Bailey might have been given a chance, but he's not about to dwell on the situation.

"Yeah, you think about it, but you can't let it affect you," he said. "It's not like I can just start catching right now. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it from the start of the year. Who knows what will happen at the end of this year. I'm not ready to shut it down."

If he decides to give it another shot, Bailey said he would have to catch some bullpen sessions to get comfortable back there again. Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson is a big proponent of Bailey getting back behind the plate.

"I think it's an important tool that he has," said Johnson. "I really haven't brought it up too much, because he's comfortable in what he's doing right now. He's putting together a solid offensive season, and I don't want (catching) to be a pressure thing. Hopefully, in the future, he'll get back to it, because it is a plus he's got. This game is hard enough and you need to bring as many pluses as you can out to the playing field."

Bailey has spoken with other former players who suffered from the same type of throwing deficiency, and all have given him advice, saying he should get back behind the plate.

"Everybody says that, but they don't know how I feel," he said. "It affects the other parts of my game."

Huckaby in limbo

Speaking of catchers, Ken Huckaby was designated for assignment after he started for Boston on Thursday night. He has 72 hours to clear waivers, and was back home in Arizona yesterday. He is expected to join the PawSox on the road in Rochester on Monday.

Wilson retires

Major-league veteran Enrique Wilson, who has spent the entire season in Pawtucket after Boston signed him as a minor-league free agent last winter, retired on Monday. The 32-year-old infielder finished his season here with a .222 average, including three homers and 18 RBI, in 62 games. He spent seven seasons (555 games) in the majors, with Cleveland, Pittsburgh, the Yankees and Cubs. He agreed to sign with Boston because his good friend, Manny Ramirez, had asked him to do so.

Evert joins team

The PawSox' roster this season has been in state of flux all season. In fact, there have been 53 different players on the roster this year, and the club made more moves yesterday. Pitcher Brett Evert was added after pitcher Scott Shoemaker was sent back to Class-A Wilmington. Evert, 25, recently was released by the Milwaukee Brewers. Shoemaker was 2-0 in two starts for Pawtucket.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340