By Gina Gomez
Philadelphia, Dec 02, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Brian Schneider, the catcher whom the Mets vehemently ignored in re-signing has reportedly agreed to a $2.75 million - two year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. With Schneider being drafted to Phillies, the player will act as a back-up to Carlos Ruiz.

Schneider had spent his not-so-successful last season with the New York Mets till he was approached by the NL champions for a two year contract. Expressing his views regarding his agreement with the Phillies, Schneider says, “I grew up a fan and all my friends and families are still die-hard Phillies fans, so it’s good to be on that side again.” The Philadelphia Phillies welcomed the decision of Schneider gracefully. “We feel Brian is ideal for our ballclub. He’s a guy that we would feel comfortable with playing for an extended period of time, if needed,” said the Phillies general manager, Ruben Amaro Jr.

Schneider, the 33-year-old catcher reportedly hit .218 with three homers and as many as 18 RBIs in the 59 games that he played last year with the New York Mets. Schneider is a .251 career hitter along with 59 homers and 356 RBIs added to his name. According to his two year contract deal with the Phillies, Schneider will get $250,000 as a signing bonus and $1million salary in the season to come. The deal also inculcates performance bonuses which is based on the playing time.

Schneider’s deal with the Phillies now puts the catcher in a better position. After spending last season with the Mets, the catcher was overlooked by his former team.