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Update: Schneider Signs with the Phils, Team Eyes Smoltz

According to Mandy Housenick of the Morning Call, former Mets backstop Brian Schneider has signed a two-year deal with the Phillies. The 33-year old catcher grew up a Phillies fan and although he struggled with the stick a season ago, he’s one of the better defensive catchers in baseball.

Terms of the contract are not yet known. Chris Coste joined the Mets yesterday and now a former Met catcher joins the Phillies. Isn’t baseball such a wonderful sport. This is a pretty good under-the-radar signing by Ruben Amaro, sealing up a very capable backup, provided he stays healthy.

UPDATE (3:20pm): The Phillies are currently looking at John Smoltz, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN

. Smoltz, now 42, had a rejuvenation of sorts in St. Louis after an awful start with Boston in 2009. He may be better suited in a bullpen role at his age.

UPDATE (4:00 pm): The Schneider deal is worth just under $3 million according to Andy Martino of the Inquirer.

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.