Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. wanted to sign a backup catcher during the winter meetings this week. He achieved that today, by signing Brian Schneider to a one-year, $800K contract. The team announced the signing in a press release. Schneider will be backup to catcher Carlos Ruiz.
The contract also has $200K in bonuses tied to games played, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, meaning Schneider can earn up to $1 million in 2012.
From the Phillies press release (via David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News):
"Schneider, 34, made 36 starts for the Phillies last season and the team went 28-8 (.777), including 27-3 (.900) in his first 30 starts. From May 7 through September 6, the Phillies went 19-0 in Schneider's starts. At the plate, Schneider batted .176 with two home runs and nine RBI in 41 games."
While he is practically a zero at the plate, the Phillies like him in the clubhouse and his receiving skills behind the plate. What else more could you want from a backup catcher?