ST. LOUIS (AP) – Cardinals utility player Scott Spiezio is voluntarily entering a treatment program for a problem that the team did not specify.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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></o>Spiezio, who has relished a hard-rocking image through his 12 seasons in the major leagues, was placed on the restricted list Thursday and will be paid while he undergoes treatment.<o
></o>St. Louis manager Tony La Russa would not say what substances were involved or where the treatment will take place. La Russa expects Spiezio will return this season.<o
></o>“It speaks highly of Scott to come forward admitting recognition of a potential problem,” Cardinals physician Dr. George Paletta said. “This allows the organization to provide him access to the appropriate resources for further evaluation and treatment.”<o
></o>Spiezio, who played a big role as the Cardinals won last year’s World Series, is hitting .272 this season with three homers and 27 RBIs in 184 at-bats. His father, Ed Spiezio, played for the Cardinals, San Diego and the Chicago White Sox from 1964-72.<o
></o>Spiezio has a heavy metal band, SandFrog, and played on television with Zakk Wylde, a guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.<o
></o>When he helped the Angels win the 2002 World Series, sparking their comeback with a three-run homer in Game 6 against San Francisco, Spiezio had streaks of red in his hair and a bright goatee.<o
></o>The 34-year-old is earning $2.1 million in 2007 in the first season of a $4.5 million, two-year contract.<o
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