Schneider's NL East knowledge a big help to Phils
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Before yesterday's Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves, Brian Schneider pulled Ryan Madson aside. He wanted to compare notes.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Before yesterday's Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves, Brian Schneider pulled Ryan Madson aside. He wanted to compare notes.
Schneider wasn't catching, and he only entered the game as a pinch-hitter for the Phillies in the ninth inning. But he understands he has a unique perspective on the National League East and is doing everything possible to take advantage of it.
So this spring, he has casually mentioned to some of the Phillies' hitters, "Here's what we used to do against you." Or when he speaks to a pitcher, "Hey, when I was facing you, this is what I was looking for." That's what he did with Madson on the grass at Champions Stadium.
"I like to get his ideas, especially with hitters you've had trouble with," Madson said. "I'll talk to him about those hitters and see what different ideas we can come up with."
Schneider has spent 10 seasons in the majors - all in the NL East. He played eight years for the Nationals/Expos franchise and the last two with the New York Mets. He is familiar with many of the hitters and pitchers in the division. And he also knows the scouting reports the Mets kept on many of them - including some current Phillies pitchers.
"He's going to play a big role," manager Charlie Manuel said. "His knowledge of the league definitely is huge."
The Phillies signed Schneider, 33, to a two-year, $2.75 million contract in December. The Lehigh Valley native played only 59 games for the Mets last season, batting .218, while hampered by injury.
In 2008, he caught 110 games and hit .257 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs.
Make no mistake, Carlos Ruiz is the everyday catcher. But, as Manuel said, backup catchers will get at-bats. Last season, between Chris Coste and Paul Bako, the Phillies' backup catchers had 248 at-bats. Those two drove in just 17 runs combined.
Schneider is hitting .286 this spring, with three RBIs in 21 at-bats.
Manuel said the Phillies had been interested in Schneider for two or three years.
"He's important to our team," Manuel said. "And he might even play more than he realizes he is."
What Schneider can provide is a little bit of insight about how other teams planned for the rest of the division along with the Phillies once the season begins and matchups develop.
"It'll be good to compare notes," Schneider said. "I can tell them how we used to throw guys when we had success and when guys hurt us what happened. It's good for the cross reference. I'm looking forward to see how they pitch a lot of guys. It's just good to hear more info."
Schneider said he has yet to sit down with pitching coach Rich Dubee to go over most of the scouting reports the Phillies have compiled for the NL East teams. That will come closer to the season's start. But Manuel said Schneider's knowledge would make it easier for Dubee when he meets with the catcher.
"He can help set up our philosophy on how we're going to pitch to them," Manuel said.
Schneider said he has spoken to Kyle Kendrick in addition to Madson and a few other pitchers this spring about old scouting reports. And while the Mets have the chance to alter their plans from when Schneider was behind the plate for them, he still might be able to offer a tip that could prove useful later.
"I like picking guys' brains," Schneider said. "We'll share as much info as possible."
