JUPITER, FLA. — The Cardinals abruptly released utility infielder Scott Spiezio on Wednesday afternoon, after learning that a California court had issued a warrant for his arrest on six misdemeanor counts ranging from aggravated assault to driving under the influence.
Orange County Superior Court issued a warrant on Tuesday charging Spiezio with driving under the influence; driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more; hit and run; aggravated assault; assault; and battery.
Blindsided, the club acted swiftly after learning details that included Spiezio's alleged use of alcohol. Spiezio left the team last August to get outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. He returned to the club before season's end, and team officials had described Spiezio as doing well in the offseason. They apparently held to that belief until Wednesday's report.
The matter assumed added urgency for the organization, which dealt with several alcohol-related issues in 2007.
"When you look at the past year, it becomes the sum of the parts," general manager John Mozeliak said. "We were at a crossroads. We felt it was in the best interest of our organization and Scott to go our separate ways. I think it would be irresponsible of us to ignore what happened last year."
Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., President Mark Lamping, Mozeliak and assistant general manager John Abbamondi met for about two hours before notifying Spiezio. The club agreed to assume Spiezio's $2.3 million salary plus a $100,000 buyout of next season's option.
From a pure baseball standpoint, I think this solidifies Brendan Ryan's roster spot barring another move by the Cards. Is there a free agent still left out there to plug in? I can't think of one off the top of my head. Of the non-roster invitees Josh Phelps would seem to be in the best position to stick. He can't play third but he can provide a little pop off the bench.
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