[EmpireWF]

According to Baseball America's year-end draft ratings, the Washington Nationals were tops in the sport.

OF Michael Burgess, LHP Josh Smoker, LHP Jack McGeary and LHP Ross Detwiler (ranked first in closest to majors) were some of the top rookies in the Nationals system.

Brandon Whiting was named the fastest runner after leading NCAA Division I with 73 stolen bases.

Catcher Derek Norris was among the top players in the 'best power-hitter' category. He's labeled as "above-average power potential" and is a good defensive catcher.

Overall, "Assessment: The Nationals had the best Draft in the industry. Landing three left-handers like Detwiler, Smoker and McGeary is a rare feat, and Washington backed them up with Burgess, Zimmermann, Smolinski and Norris.

Also today, the Bill James Handbook 2008 issued a press release that ranked third baseman Ryan Zimmerman as the No. 11 young player in baseball under the age of 30. The same publication also lists the Nationals "as the No. 13 team in all of baseball for young talent, just below the Twins and Phillies and just above the Padres and Angels." The BJH 2008 cited "Chad Cordero, Matt Chico, Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez as additional young talent now playing with the team."