GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Big league teams are always looking for catchers because it's a difficult position to fill.

Organizations expect a lot out of catchers and the position puts them in harm's way.

The Indians are fortunate to have two good catchers in the big leagues with Yan Gomes and backup Roberto Perez. They also have Tony Wolters, who converted from infielder to catcher, in the pipeline.

Over the weekend Gomes, Perez, Wolters and every other catcher in camp caught bullpen sessions as the Indians 30 pitchers began their throwing programs.

First base coach Sandy Alomar, a former six-time All-Star catcher, is the Tribe's catching coach. One of the drills he uses has catchers squatting behind the plate and catching softly thrown baseballs barehanded with their glove hand.

"I helps your glove hand," said Perez, who made his big-league debut last year. "It helps keep your hand under the ball and softens it up to receive it."