Washington, D.C. (December 3, 2009) -- Baseball America, which ranks minor league systems twice a year, has named the Washington Nationals as having one of the five worst minor league organizations in the game.

The Nats finished 26th out of 30 teams in the publication's ranking, trailing only the Diamondbacks (27th), the Blue Jays (28th), the Cardinals (29th) and the Astros (30th.)

Baseball America did note that the Nationals "have the best prospect in the game in No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg" plus "solid talents" in catcher Derek Norris, right-hander Drew Storen and shortstop Danny Espinosa.

"Beyond that,though," the publication continued, " the Nats have very little help, especially at the upper levels, which is a pity considering the state of the big-league roster."