This past weekend Spieizio was released from his minor league contract with the Richmond Braves. Why? Well, it's pretty easy to figure out, but here's how Braves' GM Frank Wren put it:

"[Here's what] We asked him to do: No. 1 is to continue his aftercare, which included testing, No. 2, that he attend AA [meetings] and No. 3 he would show up at the park every day ready to play. And yesterday he was not ready to play."

"Not ready to play" seems to indicate a major backslide in Spiezio's recovery. Obviously, dude's got some troubles that baseball can't fix. At least now Spiezio will have more time to dedicate to his Ozzfest-y band, Sandfrog. Sandfrog is scheduled to come out with a new album soon, titled "The Offseason," which will include songs about Spiezio's personal problems, plus a song dedicated to deceased Cardinals' pitcher Josh Hancock. That album sounds like a really, upbeat toe-tapper.

Troubled player arrives for Richmond game 'unfit' to play [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

The problem of course: Scott Spiezio — an Illini grad, by the way — really does have a drug problem, and he's in a lot of trouble.

Spiezio's problems apparently came to a head Monday night when he received intravenous fluid during and shortly after the team's series opener against the San Diego Padres. Exhibiting an elevated heart rate and sweating profusely, Spiezio also was noticeably irritated and anxious, according to a person familiar with the situation.

When it was suggested that he be hospitalized and undergo blood testing, Spiezio abruptly disconnected the IV and left the stadium, sources confirmed. On Tuesday Spiezio apparently approached the club for assistance and was put in contact with a representative from the organization's Employee Assistance Program. At that point arrangements were made to find treatment for the player.

We're not sure the substances that might cause Spiezio to act in such a fashion — we have a few ideas — but it's not every day that one of your most popular players leaves the team because he's addicted to drugs, and hardly anybody notices. Well done, Cards PR.

Spiezio To Seek Treatment [St. Louis Post Dispatch]

I'd like to help accommodate you, as well. Here's a clip of Scott Spiezio and David Eckstein that they might not be so proud of (courtesy of The Wade Blogs). Spiezio and Eckstein made an appearance on "She Spies," a show starring Natasha Henstridge that lasted about a week and a half on NBC... and their performances are sad, even for athletes. Even Joe Montana was better on SNL. He'll be upstairs masturbating.

And if that doesn't do it for you, there's always Spiezio's face to ridicule.

Scott Spezio & David Eckstein Star in She Spies [YouTube]