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Braves release troubled infielder Spiezio from minors
4 hours, 53 minutes ago
WA****NGTON (AP)--Scott Spiezio was released by the Atlanta Braves from
their top minor league affiliate Saturday, less than a week after the
veteran infielder pleaded guilty in a drunken-driving case.
Spiezio spent 12 years in the majors. He was released by St. Louis on
Feb. 27 and signed by Atlanta on March 31.
Braves general manager Frank Wren said the team and Spiezio had agreed
that he would submit to testing, continue his rehabilitation and
re****t to the ballpark each day prepared to play.
"Yesterday, he was not ready to play," Wren said.
The 35-year-old Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor drunken
driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December car crash in
Southern California. He was sentenced to three years' probation and
agreed to undergo a three-month alcohol program, attend Alcoholics
Anonymous meetings and complete 80 hours of community service.
Wren informed Spiezio of his release Saturday.
"He was appreciative of the op****tunity," Wren said. "He and we
realized he needed more time to continue his rehabilitation. He just
needs more time and needs to be in an environment where he can get the
care he needs."
In five games with Richmond, Spiezio batted .333. He has batted .255
in a major league career with Oakland, Anaheim, Seattle and St. Louis.
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