After defecting from Cuba in 1999, Baez was signed by the Cleveland Indians to a four-year, $14.5 million deal before the 2000 season. With a fastball that could occasionally reach 97 MPH, a good curve, and a changeup that he struggled to locate, Baez wasn’t quite ready for the majors until the Indians called him up in May 2001. Although he was originally projected as a starter, Baez found his niche as a right-handed setup man, where he could get away with having only two effective pitches. His 2001 season began with 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, and finished with an outstanding 2.50 ERA in 43 appearances.
