NL | Scott Spiezio pleads guilty to DUI, gets probation

Scott Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor drunken driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December car crash in Orange County, Calif.

Spiezio's lawyer entered the plea as part of a plea agreement, said Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for county prosecutors. Spiezio was ordered to serve three years' probation, undergo a three-month alcohol program, attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complete 80 hours of community service.

He must also pay about $1,700 in fines and restitution, including $839 in damages caused by the crash, she said.

Spiezio was cut by the St. Louis Cardinals in February after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Prosecutors said he crashed his car into a curb and fence in Irvine, then ran away. A neighbor told police Spiezio arrived at their condo complex appearing disheveled and apparently injured. The neighbor, identified in court papers as Michael P., alleged that Spiezio punched him, causing significant injuries.

Arizona: CF Chris Young and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension through 2013. The agreement, which includes a team option for 2014, was confirmed by a person familiar with the details who spoke on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not been made. The deal is likely to be announced today. Terms of the contract approach the $31 million, six-year deal that Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki agreed to in January, the person familiar with the details said.

Cincinnati: The Reds traded left-handed reliever Jon Coutlangus to the Diamondbacks for minor-league infielder Daniel Perales. ... The Reds moved a step closer to relocating their spring-training base from Florida to Arizona. The Goodyear, Ariz., City Council approved a memorandum of understanding that would bring the Reds to the area in 2010. The team and the suburban Phoenix city have until June 30 to enter a binding, 20-year lease agreement.

Florida: The Marlins purchased the contract of RHP Burke Badenhop from Class AA Carolina.

Houston: Astros 3B Ty Wigginton will miss the St. Louis series with a small fracture in his left thumb. The team is trying to avoid placing him on the disabled list, but he will be re-evaluated Thursday and such a move could be necessary.

St. Louis: Cardinals RHP Joel Pineiro, on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, will have a rehab start for Class AAA Memphis today.

Washington: Game 2 at Nationals Park got off to a bit of a rough start. The gigantic, high-definition scoreboard beyond the outfield at the Nationals' new $611 million stadium was only partially working in the first inning, with no ball-strike count and no score line. The result was a much-much-larger-than-life photo of the batter.

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