The talent and potential were always evident.
Cristian Pache showed it with the Oakland Athletics and the Atlanta Braves. But not enough to garner much playing time.
The same battle has emerged with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Since coming over from the A's last season, Pache has attempted to prove his mettle while overcoming a knee injury.
In spring training, he has continued to compete for what is likely the final bench spot. He has zero minor league options left.
The 25-year-old played 48 games for the Phillies last season.
"It helped me a lot," Pache told Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "As a player, you want to play every day and help the team win, but since I couldn't play every day, I had to figure out: How can I better myself and help the team when I'm not playing?"
Coffey reported that Pache worked a good bit on the mental aspects which included reading books, sports psychology and meditating.
In addition, he has worked tirelessly with the club on his defensive skills and work in the batting cage.
"I have veterans I can learn from (Kyle) Schwarber, (Bryce) Harper, J.T. (Realmuto)," Pache said. "Whenever I watch them in the cage, I pick up something new. I like to watch them hit because they're players who have had so much success, so I can learn from them how they work. What they do, what they don't do."
Pache is not guaranteed a roster spot. He’s battling for his career. The future is unclear.
"I just have to play my game," Pache told Coffey. "I can't control the decisions that the front office or the team will make. So, I'm just going to take advantage of the opportunities they give me."
That's the right attitude to embrace. But it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Pache knows it.
All he can do is continue to work.
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