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The next step in Martin Perez's path to becoming a top of the rotation starter is a simple one

The Dallas Morning News

Texas Rangers pitcher Martin Perez throws in the bullpen with pitcher Colby Lewis during the first full spring training workout for pitchers and catchers at the team's training facility on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, in Surprise, Ariz. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It is not the sinking fastball or the fully healed ligament that will take Martin Perez to the next step.

It is the breath.

The sinking fastball got him to the big leagues at the age of 21 and it can be every bit as good as Houston’s Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel's.