Source: Schneider deal is close
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Source: Schneider deal is close
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
MILWAUKEE — The Phillies will choose familiarity for their backup catcher.
The team is finalizing a one-year agreement with Brian Schneider, the Northampton native who has spent the previous two seasons behind Carlos Ruiz. One baseball source said the deal was close, but probably would not be completed until Thursday.
Schneider had the worst offensive season of his 12-year career in 2011, but the Phillies value his defensive capabilities. The pitching staff praises Ruiz for his knowledge and devotion to calling games, but most found there was little drop off when Schneider caught.
His work with Vance Worley was especially noteworthy. Schneider became the rookie's personal catcher. Worley cited a strong relationship with Schneider as a major part in his success.
Schneider, who turns 35 later this month, made $1.625 million in 2011. He could sign for less in 2012.
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You've got to be kidding! Like throwing money in toilet. Can't hit and weak defensively. Embarrassing move.— LI PhilPhan- So much for changing the team's philosophy. this team is looking more and more as the same that have failed the last two seasons, but older, with the exception that we have now a proven closer. This is not a good signing, not at all. What happened last year regarding the Phillies record when Schneider was behind is one of those things that happens in bseball once in a while, like Wilson Valdez hitting into 22 DP in 2010. Don't expect the Phillies to go undefeated every time he's behind the plate. This pitching staff doesn't need much help from the catchers, not matter how often they praise their catchers. We need a young catcher to take the load from Carlos, who was running on fumes in the playoffs and who in the last few seasons has been to the DL a few times. I see this signing as wasting money on an aging back up catcher who can hit his weight and is not a great defensive catcher.— EL Zorro
Comment removed.- @mainlinephan: Thanks for keeping me straight with message board etiquette. I didn’t realize it was your job to ensure the message board was free from repeat comments, god forbid someone else have similar comments…or is it that you feel like you didn’t get recognition for posting it first. I’ll fix that for you…hey everyone…mainlinephan thinks the rapport between Worley and Schneider is the reason why the Phils re-signed him. He was the first to say it on the message board, he gets all the credit.— jkptwo
