2005

It's hard to spot the good defensive catcher who could hit well enough to contribute—the guy who played for Cleveland four or five years ago. Diaz's defensive skills have eroded and he hasn't hit at all in years. Without a contribution to make either way around the plate, he's a poor choice in any role. Diaz should have warranted a spring training invite at most, but the Cards' Matheny fetish led them to form a Yadier Molina/Einar Diaz time-share.

2003

Einar was given the starting job, and responded by being the worst-hitting regular catcher in the majors. His defensive reputation skyrocketed, but fighting a cracked rib early in the season, he only threw out 36 of 82 baserunners, for a 30% gunnery rating. With Martinez charging onto the scene, Shapiro traded Diaz to Texas, where John Hart apparently saw a way to...well, who knows what he saw.

2002

The Indians did well to let Sandy Alomar Jr. walk away and hand the catching job to Diaz, a comparable player who lacked Alomar's health questions. They got a bit excited about having a healthy catcher, though, signing him to a four-year deal. He's Terry Steinbach without the really good years, and you can get that for a lesser commitment.

2001

Einar Diaz is a hustling catch-and-throw guy who doesn’t get the bat knocked out of his hands. He’s a good choice for baseball’s best backup catcher. Eddie Taubensee’s defensive limitations should get Diaz the right amount of playing time. However, the Indians are talking about making Taubensee the backup and playing Diaz regularly, something their offense can no longer afford.

2000

Even though he’s right-handed, he’s sort of like Jorge Fabregas, because the only pitch he can kill is the chest-high fastball. Everything else gives him trouble. He’s a nice backup because he can field the position, but if Alomar’s knees are shot, the Indians need to get somebody who can contribute offensively.

1998

Diaz gets decent reviews for his defense, but he hits like Kirt Manwaring on a bad day. He’s not getting any better with the stick, so he will need to rely on his glove if he wants to establish himself as a useful backup catcher.

1997

Diaz is considered a top-notch defensive catcher, and this season might be the year that Tony Pena is finally run off the roster. The Indians have had real problems developing or drafting catchers, and Diaz is a converted infielder.