Homeland pride fueling Perez's development

MLB.com's Jordan Bastian talks about Roberto Perez possibly being a Spring Training surprise in 2017 for the IndiansGOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Roberto Perez does not take the assignment lightly. To be asked to play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic as a catcher carries a lot of weight. The island has gained quite a reputation for churning out backstops, from the Molina brothers to newly elected Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez.

Now, Perez will get the chance to represent his country alongside Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. In the past several years, Molina has gone from idol to mentor for Perez, who spent this winter training with the St. Louis catcher. Joining him on their country's…