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The Phillies announced on Thursday that they have re-signed catcher Brian Schneider to a one-year contract valued at $800,000. The veteran of 12 big league seasons, who turns 35-years-old later this month, returns to Philadelphia after serving as back-up to Carlos Ruiz for the past two seasons. Schneider can earn an additional $200,000 in performance bonuses, but don’t count on that happening as the reserve sported a .176 batting average in 41 games with the Phillies during the 2011 season. Clearly, Schneider is being brought back for his excellent guidance of the Philadelphia pitching staff, not because of his bat. Phillies pitchers posted a strong 2.85 ERA with Schneider behind the dish this past season. Pat Gallen of PhilliesNation.com writes that the Phillies went 28-8 (.777 winning percentage) in Schneider’s 36 starts in 2011, including 27-3 (.900) in his first 30 starts. From May 7 through September 6, the Phillies went 19-0 in Schneider’s starts. Through his career, the lefty h...

Carlos Ruiz has been hot for the Phillies In seasons past, the role of the catcher on the Phillies club has been to guide the pitching staff, lead the team on the defensive side of things and simply contribute a bit on offense. The same does not apply this season. In 2008, Phillies catchers posted a .243 batting average. In 2009, Phillies catchers combined for a .252 batting average while driving in 57 runs. This season, Phillies catchers have stepped up their production at the plate and become key contributors to the offense. In 2010, Phillies catchers have combined for recent season highs in all of the following categories...a .276 batting average, 44 doubles, 15 homeruns and have driven in 75 runs. Some of the increased production could be attributed to the injuries the team has suffered this year, which has resulted in Carlos Ruiz and Brian Schneider batting 7th in the batting order instead of 8th, where the catcher regularly batted in recent years. Other credit can simply go to th...

For the second straight week, the Nationals & Phillies will meet up for a three game series, but this time it will be in Philadelphia. The Nationals arrive in town fresh off a series win over the Metropolitans in New York, having won 2 of 3 games there. The Phillies will be making their 2010 home debut. Read ahead for information on the pitching match ups and other key statistics. Monday, 3:05pm. Jason Marquis (1-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (0-1, 13.50 ERA). These two pitchers met last week in Washington, and the Phillies were victorious. Marquis has a 5-4 record with a 4.83 ERA in 20 career games against the Phils. Chase Utley is 10-for-21 (.476 avg) against Marquis in his career. Brian Schneider is just 1-for-21 (.048 avg) in his career against Marquis. Hamels is 8-3 with a 2.37 ERA in 16 career starts against the Nats. At home in his career, Hamels is 27-17 with a 3.43 ERA and a .232 batting avg. against. In 9 day starts last season, Hamels had a record of 0-6 with a 5.44 ERA....

On the heels of the news regarding Chris Coste signing with the New York Metropolitans, the Phillies have signed Brian Schneider to a 2-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth $3 million for the former Metropolitan and National. With local ties, Schneider will get the chance to play for his hometown team. He grew up playing youth baseball in Northampton, Pennsylvania. I approve of this signing. Schneider is a steadily productive and generally healthy catcher who can fill the "2-3 games a week" role that manager Charlie Manuel likes to utilize during the season, to prevent wear and tear on everyday catcher Carlos Ruiz. Schneider is a career .251 hitter with a .697 OPS in 10 Major League seasons. In recent seasons, Schneider's offensive output has been considerably better in the City of Brotherly Love. In 42 career games at Citizens Bank Park, he is a .266 hitter with a .784 OPS. ----------------------------- In "You're damn right they did" news, the Angel...