Phillies sign backup catcher Brian Schneider

With all the talk of needing a third baseman and some bullpen help, the Phillies also needed a backup catcher this offseason to help out Carlos Ruiz. Well, that item can be checked off the list as the Phillies have added catcher Brian Schneider. According to the Allentown Morning Call, the Phillies have signed the 10 year MLB vet to a 2 year contract.

Schneider, who has spend his entire career in the NL East with the Expos/Nationals and Mets, is known as a solid defensive catcher. He spent the last two years with the Mets and was injured for most of last year and hit only .218. Schneider is a local guy, having graduated from Northhampton, and his family is filled with Phillies fans, so he will fit right in. More than that, he's a left handed hitter who will be able to spell Ruiz with a competent bat and above average defense.

This is just the kind of solid but not spectacular move the Phillies needed to make. Schneider was a starting catcher for most of his career so he should slide nicely into a backup role on the Phillies.