Spiezio Released

Shortly after the Cardinals learned of a warrant being issued for the arrest of utility man Scott Spiezio, the team officially released him.  Sources say that Spiezio is wanted in Orange County, California on six different charges, including driving under the influence and assault, all stemming from an incident in late December.

Spiezio missed over a month of the 2007 season while receiving treatment for substance abuse.  It was thought that he had gotten past those problems and was ready to take back his role with the ’08 squad.

“I was out of control for a while,” Spiezio said late last season.  “I learned a lot and I’m ready to start contributing in a good way now.”

I wish Scott the best and hope he can get the treatment he needs to get his life in order.  I also think this was a smart move for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. There were too many non-baseball stories accompanying last year’s team, and more off the field trouble is the last thing La Russa and the Redbirds need.

With Spiezio now out of the picture, an opportunity presents itself for one of the other infielders to make the club out of camp.  It would seem that no one has quite the flexibility of a Scott Spiezio, but there are some candidates that can play multiple positions, including Brendan Ryan and D’Angelo Jimenez.  We’ll soon have a better idea of what the opening day roster will look like.  The Post Dispatch has more on the Spiezio story here.