Current Contract
Signed as a minor league free agent on December 12, 2007, signed through 2008.

Became a Cardinal
Signed as a minor league free agent on January 25, 2006.

2008 Season
One of the feel good stories in the 2008 season, Rico made the St. Louis Cardinals team as non-roster invitee after 11 seasons in the minor leagues. He played in 14 major league games before getting sent back to Triple-A Memphis, where he hit .254 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in 92 games for the Redbirds. Washington became a minor league free-agent at the end of the season and played winter ball in the Venezuela Winter League.

2007 Season
Washington's 2007 season was shortened by a left knee strain, as he began the year with Double-A Springfield and then hit .315 after a promotion to Memphis in mid-April. He became a minor league free agent at the end of the season.

Career Notes
Washington hit .284/.393/.494 with 18 home runs and 76 RBI, combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2006.

A 10th round draft pick of the Pirates in 1997, Washington has also spent time San Diego and Tampa Bay organizations. He is a career .278/.369/.435 hitter in 10 minor league seasons.

Photo: St. Louis Cardinals