The Phillies moved one step closer to filling out their bench for the 2010 season.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced Tuesday the team came to an agreement on a two-year deal with veteran free agent Brian Schneider.

“We feel Brian is ideal for our ballclub,” said Amaro. “He has played in the NL East for this entire decade, so he knows the opposing hitters in this division well and he has also proven he can handle the bat. He’s a guy that we would feel comfortable with playing for an extended period of time, if needed.”

The 33-year-old Schneider hit .218 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 59 games last season for the Mets.

In the last six seasons, Schneider was the Opening Day catcher for the Mets (2008-09) and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2004-07). Since making his major league debut in 2000, Schneider has thrown out 183 baserunners -- the most for any National League catcher.

Schneider would replace Paul Bako as the backup catcher to starter Carlos Ruiz. A week ago, the Phils came to a handshake agreement with utility infielder Juan Castro.

With a little over two months til spring training, the Phils have four-fifths of their bench complete with Schneider, Castro and returning reserves Greg Dobbs and Ben Francisco.