Pirates' Perez has unique experience on fan caravan

Only Bob Veale in the 1960s had more strikeouts by a Pirate in a season.

"I was begging our guys to stay with me, because this guy's got special stuff," Williams said. "What an athlete and a talent this guy is, and being left-handed doesn't hurt, either. He's also got a knack for pitching -- he knows what hitters are trying to do with him."

Perez's 239 strikeouts tied for the sixth most in major league history for a left-hander 23 or younger, though he didn't turn 23 until mid-August.

"One year doesn't make or break a pitcher," Williams said. "After he does it again this year, it will be lot more exciting. Right now, the consistency factor is what you're looking for -- not from game to game, but from year to year."