CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Roberto Perez landed in Goodyear, Ariz., in 2014 with one thought in mind.
Sure, he wanted to break camp with the Indians. More than anything, though, Perez aimed to leave an impression on the major league staff. He already had the endorsement of his minor league coaches. As spring training unfolded, however, Terry Francona was underwhelmed.
"Nothing really stood out," Francona said.
Francona heard the other coaches in camp chirping about the young catcher, already equipped with the reputation of a stalwart behind the plate. Chris Tremie, Perez's manager at Triple-A Columbus, was particularly fond of Perez's potential.