After trading away prospect Lastings Milledge for Brian Schneider and Ryan Church, the Mets have to be excited about the defensive upgrade behind the plate. Schneider, drafted by the Expos in 1995, has been a steadily improving presence on the field with the Expos/Nationals. Known for his defensive abilities, Schneider has proven to be a leader and a calming presence in Washington. Working in Washington may not have been ideal, but he’s made the most of a hodge-podge rotation, and has often been a source of leadership for the pitching staff.

The Mets are hoping for a few things from this acquisition, and most of them have to do with pitching. First of all, Schneider’s defensive skill and ability to throw out would-be base stealers will certainly be a welcomed addition. John Maine and Oliver Perez do not have a quick delivery from the stretch (not to mention the El Duque 60 mph balloon ball), and having a rocket arm behind the plate should limit potential base stealers. Secondly, Schneider is the leader of the pitching staff in Washington, and would be assumed that he will take on a similar role with New York. Following 2007’s late collapse and horrendous work from the bullpen, the Mets need a leader behind the plate to supply the chemistry they so sorely lacked in September.

Plain and simple, Schneider is not known for his offensive numbers. While he doesn’t hit much for power (9 home runs), and his average is just that…average (.235 last season, .252 career), he does have a certain statistic that Mets’ fans should be aware of. His on base percentage is at a respectable .323 for his career, including last season at .326, compared to Carlos Delgado’s .333 and Paul Lo Duca’s .311. With solid performance in this key statistic, one should expect this left handed hitter to look at many pitches, work the count, and get on base. This can only lead to more baserunners and more runs for the Mets.

In conclusion, the addition of Brian Schneider was not made to get more offensive production out of the team. A proven leader with elite defensive skills will be a welcome team-mate of the New York Mets pitching staff.