Cards cut Spiezio
Utilityman Scott Spiezio was cut by the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, released after being charged in a six-count complaint involving drunken driving and assault in a December car crash in Irvine, Calif.
“We had heard some things about this,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. “Ultimately, nothing was ever confirmed to the level it was today. To have this warrant put out there, it completely changes the landscape of what we’re dealing with.”
A warrant was issued Tuesday for Spiezio, who missed more than a month last year while getting treatment for substance abuse. The warrant was recalled Wednesday after Spiezio’s attorney appeared in court, and the arraignment was continued to March 26.
The Orange County district attorney charged Spiezio with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, hit and run, aggravated assault, assault and battery.
Police said the accident occurred Dec. 30. The maximum penalty is two years in state prison.
Irvine police responded to a report of a single-car crash at 12:20 a.m. on Dec. 30.
Officers found a 2004 BMW registered to Spiezio had crashed into a curb and fence. The driver was seen running from the crash site, Handfield said.
A neighbor told police Spiezio arrived at their condo complex appearing disheveled and apparently injured. The neighbor said Spiezio allegedly assaulted him, causing significant injuries, Handfield said.
Spiezio was entering the final season of a two-year, $4.5 million contract. He was released the same way most players are cut, for failure “to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability.”
That means the Cardinals owe him this year’s $2.3 million salary plus a $100,000 buyout of a $2.5 million team option for 2009 – because of that, the likelihood of a grievance by the players’ union is small.
Asked about Spiezio’s release, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, “I think it’s a consistent message about what the team represents.
“It wasn’t like he escaped last year without catching some heat and the organization acting to try to get him right.”
Former Reds scout dies
Former Cincinnati Reds scout and farm director Sheldon “Chief” Bender, who spent 64 years in professional baseball, died Wednesday. He was 88.
Bender died in Hamilton, Ohio, from complications of a recent fall at his home.
The Reds’ minor league player of the year award is named for Bender. He retired in 2005.
Bender played and managed in the minor leagues for 12 seasons and worked in the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization from 1948-66. Bender spent 39 years with the Reds and headed their minor league operations from 1967-89.
Johnny Bench, Dave Concepcion, Ken Griffey Sr., Don Gullett, Mario Soto, Tom Browning, Paul O’Neill, Eric Davis and Barry Larkin were among the future stars produced by the Cincinnati system while Bender was there.
Kazmir sidelined
A.L. strikeout leader Scott Kazmir will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of an elbow strain, but the Tampa Bay left-hander remains confident he’ll be ready for opening day.
The Rays said an MRI did not reveal a serious injury, but stressed the club will not take any unnecessary chances with the 24-year-old’s recovery, even if it means him missing a start or two when the season begins.
DeRosa sets procedure
Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa will undergo a heart procedure in Chicago today to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Team doctor Stephen Adams said DeRosa is expected to return to Arizona on Sunday, be back on the field as early as Monday and ready to play in spring training games by March 8.
Liriano ready to go
Francisco Liriano arrived at Minnesota Twins camp after missing the first nine days of spring training because of visa problems in his native Dominican Republic.
The 2006 All-Star is coming off Tommy John surgery.