Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Spencer signs with Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Recently released outfielder Shane Spencer rejoined the New York Yankees on Monday, signing a minor league contract after working out at their spring training complex.

Spencer played for the Yankees from 1998-2002 and was let go by the New York Mets earlier this month. He will join Triple-A Columbus, and could eventually provide added depth for the AL East leaders.

Spencer cleared waivers Aug. 6, and was released by the Mets following an agreement among the team, the commissioner's office and the players' association.

The Mets suspended Spencer on July 28, one day after he was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with driving under the influence. He was on the 15-day disabled list at the time, after cutting his right foot on a piece of glass in a New York bar.

Earlier this year, Spencer and then-teammate Karim Garcia were each fined $500 by the Mets after being accused of roughing up a pizza deliveryman during spring training.

Spencer batted .281 with four homers and 26 RBIs in 185 at-bats with the Mets.

He would get paid at the rate of the $300,000 minimum if he is added to the Yankees' major league roster, an indication that he is being paid the full $537,500 he was due under his contract from the Mets.

Spencer, who started his major league career with the Yankees in 1998 by hitting 10 home runs -- including three grand slams -- in 67 at-bats, took batting practice with members of the Yankees' Gulf Coast League team.

Spencer played with the Yankees through the 2002 season, and split last year with Cleveland and Texas.