Current Contract
Signed as a minor league free agent on December 12, 2007, signed through 2008. Rico made club as non-roster invitee after batting .333 (5-for-15) this spring. Spent 11 seasons in the minors before making his ML debut on opening night as a pinch-hitter.

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

2008 Season
After 11 seasons in the minor leagues, Washington mad the St. Louis Cardinals roster as a non-roster invitee, after hitting, .333 (5-for-15) and getting a break when infielder Brendan Ryan went on the DL. Washington appeared in 14 games for the Cardinals, hitting just .158 (3-for-19). He played in 92 games for Triple-A Memphis, hitting .254 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. The Cardinals outrighted Washington in September, making him a free agent.

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.

Washington had a strong Winter League season, batting .305 to finish 7th in the Venezuelan League. His 37 RBI were 4th in the league.

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.

At 29 years of age, Washington becomes oldest Cards rookie to make ML debut since LHP Kevin Ohme (32 yrs, 1 day) in 2003 and OF So Taguchi in 2002 (32 yrs, 343 days).

Photo: St. Louis Cardinals