Biography

Completing his first season as the Indians' No. 1 catcher, Einar appeared in 134 games in 2001, the most by a Cleveland backstop since 1974. Batting primarily in the No. 9 hole, he hit .277, with four homers and 56 RBI, and led American League catchers with 34 doubles. Einar is a converted third baseman who works extremely hard at blocking balls in the dirt. His strong arm enabled him to throw out 35 percent (46-for-130) of would-be basestealers.

Einar's fine play in 2000 allowed the Indians to say farewell to Sandy Alomar, Jr. after the season. A good fastball hitter with power to the gaps, Einar made 69 starts that year and hit .272, with four home runs, 14 doubles and 25 RBI. With Alomar on and off the disabled list in 1999, Einar started 108 games at catcher and hit .281, with three homers, 21 doubles and 32 RBI. He ranked seventh among AL rookies in hits (110) and even stole 11 bases, the most by a Cleveland receiver since Andy Allanson stole 10 in 1986. The Panamanian also threw out 36 of the 104 runners who attempted to steal off him (34.6 percent), the fifth-best mark among AL backstops.