Current Contract:
Signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with a club option for 2009 on November 16, 2006. Released by the Cardinals in February.

2007: $2,100,000
2008: $2,300,000
2009: $2,500,000 (or $100,000 buyout)

*Spiezio can earn an additional $800,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $75,000 for 350, $100,000 for 400, $125,000 for 450 and $250,000 each for 500 and 550. He receives $50,000 for being selected to the All-Star game, winning a Gold Glove and being named MVP of the LCS and/or World Series.

Agent: Barry Meister

Became a Cardinal:
Signed to a minor league contract as a previously released free agent on February 17, 2006.

2007 Season:
Spiezio voluntarily entered a substance treatment program in August and was placed on the restricted list. He played in 82 games, hitting .269 with four home runs and 31 RBI.

2006 Season:
Spiezio broke camp with the Cardinals in 2006 despite being a non-roster invitee signed to a minor leageu deal shortly before spring training. He played a big part in the team's run to a 10th World Series championship, batting .272 with 13 home runs and 52 RBI in 119 games played. The switch-hitter played five different positions (1B, 2B, 3B, SS & LF) and made 61 starts. He led the team with eight pinch-RBI and finished 2nd on the club with eight pinch hits.

Identified by his "Scott Spot", the fan-favorite was among the team's top clutch performers in 2006, batting .304 with runners in scoring position while driving in 35 runs with two outs, ranking third on the team. Spiezio continued his clutch performance into the postseason with six RBI and two triples, including a key three-bagger in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

Career Notes:
A sixth round draft pick of the Oakland A's in 1993, Spiezio made his major league debut in September, 1996. He was moved from third base to second base during spring training in 1997 and was the A's opening day starter at that position. He signed with the Angels as a free agent prior to the 2002 season. That year, when the Angels won the World Series, Spiezio hit .327/.424/.600 with three home runs and 19 RBI in 16 postseason games. He hit a career low .215 in 112 games in 2004 after signing a three-year, $9.15 million contract. He followed that up with a 2005 season that saw him get released in August after playing in only 29 games at the major league level due to a back/left oblique strain. He is a career .255 hitter in 11 major league seasons.

MISC:
Scott's father, Ed, played nine seasons in the Major Leagues (1964-72) with St. Louis, San Diego and the Chicago White Sox.

Contract Info: Cot's Baseball Contracts

Photo: MLB Photos