Rico Washington
| AB | 19 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .158 |
| OBP | .273 |
| SLG | .263 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name Enrico Aliceno Washington
- Born 05/30/1978 in Milledgeville, GA
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Jones County
- Debut 04/01/2008
- Drafted in the 10th round (302nd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Washington hails from Gray, a small rural Georgia town that already has produced a pair of big leaguers in Willie Greene (Washington's cousin) and Rondell White. Washington missed nearly half of 2001 with tendinitis in his right hand, an ailment that also cut short his stay in the Arizona Fall League. He has a short, line-drive stroke that has enabled him to hit for a high average at each stop in the minors. He also offers versatility. Primarily a third baseman, he also can catch and play second base and he was learning the outfield in the AFL. He's a standout defender at third thanks to his quick reactions. Washington once projected to have average power but has hit just 12 homers in two years at Double-A. His hand injury was partially responsible for his power outage last season, though more advanced pitchers have been able to get him to chase pitches off the plate. Washington will get a chance to prove himself at Triple-A in 2002. If he does well, he likely will land in Pittsburgh as a utilityman the following year. -
Washington is a product of the same high school that produced Willie Greene and Rondell White. Greene, the Pirates' 1989 first-round pick, is Washington's cousin. Washington made the Arizona Fall League's all-prospect team but was dropped off Pittsburgh's 40-man roster a week later. He has a pretty line-drive stroke that led some to believe he can hit .300 in the major leagues. He also has a decent eye and will take a walk. Washington provides versatility with his ability to catch and play first, second and third base. But he struggled when he got to Double-A last season, having a hard time adjusting to better breaking and offspeed pitches. He doesn't have a true position, as he lacks the power of a corner infielder and the defensive skills needed to be a regular at catcher or second base, though he does turn the double play well. Washington's stock clearly dropped when he was taken off the roster. The Pirates insist they still believe he's a prospect, though his future seems to be in a utility role. He probably will go back to Double-A this year but could land in the majors by late 2002.
Minor League Top Prospects
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No SAL player made a greater jump in 1999. The Pirates drafted Washington in 1997 as a third baseman but converted him to catcher after two pro seasons in which he hit .301 in 345 at-bats. Hickory manager Tracy Woodson said, "He may be the best hitting prospect I've ever seen." Showing maturity beyond the Class A level, Washington consistently worked counts to his favor and then took advantage--often with power. He hit well against lefthanders and finished just behind Furcal in the midseason managers' voting as best hitting prospect. Of course, Washington is still learning behind the plate. "He was the best hitter in the league--a pure line-drive hitter," Pino said. "He still has a long way to go as a catcher, but he has a chance."
