Check out Zimmerman’s weekly column in the Examiner for an interesting story about his own draft experience and the difference between being drafted out of high school or college.

I wasn’t as strong and physical as everyone yet, which is why I wasn’t drafted. So I needed my three years in college to grow up, get stronger and grow into my body. I felt kind of goofy, with big feet on this little kid.

He also discusses how difficult it is for a young guy out of high school to learn to manage money.

Money is a big issue, but I think it’s easier to handle the money these days than it was 20 years ago because you have so many people to help you. Before, you’d hear about people who were drafted and two years later all of their money is gone. But if you pick a good person to help you, it’s hard to blow it all. I know if I came out at 17 and signed a $3 million contract I would probably buy stupid things, too. I buy them now.

We’re glad he waited a few years and became the first ever first round pick of the Washington Nationals.

Third Pick, Michael Burgess, OF

In Tampa yesterday, Burgess said of the Nationals: “This is one of the teams I wanted to play for, that I wanted to get drafted by.” The 18 year old outfielder credits his grandfather for his success.

Fourth Pick…another Zimmerman! Jordan Zimmermann, RHP

More on Jordan Zimmermann here.

Fifth Pick, Jacob Smolinski, SS

Nats Farm Authority has all the details covered.

7th Pick, Derek Norris, C

8th Pick, Bradley Meyers, RHP

Catch summaries of all the players and thoughts about the overall strategy in Barry Svrluga’s Washington Post article.

For every little boy that dreams of growing up to play in the Major League, today is a special day. And you hope that every one of them gets to hear their name called. - Don Sutton

Josh Smoker, LHP was chosen today as the Nats 2nd draft pick.

Smoker is a high school senior from Georgia.

More information on Smoker can be found here.

Ross Detwiler of Missouri State, LHP

Nats Farm Authority has some details.

More details available here

Photo: Missouri State Bears