Brian Schneider has signed with the Phillies to replace Paul Bako as the back-up to Carlos Ruiz. Schneider, 33, signed a 2-year deal worth $2.75 million.
Schneider represents an upgrade offensively over Paul Bako, and is, from what I’ve read, similar defensively. Ruben Amaro had this to say about the signing…
We feel Brian is ideal for our ballclub. He has played in the [National League] East for this entire decade, so he knows the opposing hitters in this division well and he has also proven he can handle the bat. He’s a guy that we would feel comfortable with playing for an extended period of time, if needed.
Like the Juan Castro signing, this represents a slight upgrade to the bench and is a solid, though clearly unspectacular move. I’m a little surprised that he got a 2-year deal, but the money is consistent with a normal back-up catcher. The best news of this signing is that the Phillies no longer have to face Schneider, who has 54 career RBI against the Phillies, by far his most against any club.
With the Schneider signing, my projected 25-man roster currently looks like this…
I don’t expect Moyer to be our 5th starter, but it’s possible. John Mayberry could be a possibility as a PH, and I think it’s likely we retain Chan Ho Park and he will replace one of those bottom 4 pitchers.
Great pickup. Can also be a nice pinch hitter from the left side. Not too long ago was a starting catcher. Like it a lot!