Article:The Tomahawk Times - Braves release Spiezio from Richmond

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Atlanta Braves released 12-year Major League veteran infielder Scott Spiezio from their Triple-A Richmond club on Saturday. An announcement was made by Braves general manager Frank Wren just prior to the scheduled start of Atlanta's afternoon contest with the Washington Nationals.

“When we signed Scott it was our hope, based on our meeting with him and from the work he had already done in his treatment, that he was heading in the right direction," said Wren in a statement issued by the team. "Unfortunately, it is now apparent that he needs more time devoted to getting his personal life in order. Scott was released this morning from the Richmond Club. We wish him well as returns home to his family.”

While all of the circumstances surrounding the release of Spiezio have not been released, the Braves believe that the move was made in the best interest of his personal health and well being. Spiezio had agreed to alcohol counceling and testing for substances of abuse as a condition of signing with Atlanta on March 31, before pleading guilty to drunken driving and hit-and-run charges on Monday.

“When we signed Scott it was our hope, based on our meeting with him and from the work he had already done in his treatment, that he was heading in the right direction," said Wren in a statement issued by the team. "Unfortunately, it is now apparent that he needs more time devoted to getting his personal life in order. Scott was released this morning from the Richmond Club. We wish him well as returns home to his family.”

The switch-hitting Spiezio, 35, started the season with Richmond upon signing the non-guaranteed minor league deal. After a work out day with the Single-A Rome Braves club on Tuesday April 1, Spiezio reported to Richmond and was off to a solid start. Through his first five games, the veteran infielder was hitting .333 with a pair of doubles and five RBI.

The St. Louis Cardinals parted ways with Spiezio after last season, when they were forced to put him on the restricted list in August to deal with personal problems. Spiezio's off-season did not get much better. This past December, Spiezio was involved in a drunken driving and hit-and-run incident that culminated in a physical altercation.

On Monday, Spiezio agreed to a guilty plea on drunken driving and hit-and-run charges that allowed further charges of aggravated assault and assault and battery to be dropped. He was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, complete a first offender alcohol program and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

''Grant McAuley covers baseball for the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. For more, click here.''