When the Los Angeles Angels hired Ron Washington as their new manager, middle infielders within the organization rejoiced.
As a longtime coach and manager, Washington's passion is in the dirt. His new passion is working with shortstop Zach Neto.
Washington told reporters including Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register that "there is a ton to like" about Neto. "Not a lot, a ton."
Neto, 23, feels the same way about his manager but has a more unique take on his experience working with Washington so far.
“He has a lot of wisdom, a lot of knowledge about this game, a lot of years in this game. A young guy like me, being able to learn something new from him, it’s like candy for a kid at Halloween.”
The young shortstop made his major league debut last season, less than a year after the Angels drafted him No. 13 overall in the 2022 draft.
Neto was a star shortstop at Campbell, a mid-major school by definition but a powerhouse in the college baseball world. Located just south of Raleigh, the former Camel has erased any doubt that a player from the Big South Conference could make an immediate impact in the big leagues.
While only playing in a little more than half of the Angels' games last season, the team had a 43-41 record when Neto was on the field and a 30-48 mark when he was not.
This spring, Neto feels confident and ready to prove any doubters wrong.
“Oh yeah, it’s gonna be fun proving people wrong. That’s what I’ve always been about my whole life. So here, at the biggest stage, if there are people still doubting, it just keeps creating that underdog mentality and chip on my shoulder to keep proving people wrong. I just gotta keep trusting myself, having that confidence and going out there and having fun.”
Despite missing significant time with back and oblique injuries last year, Neto was credited with 3 Defensive Runs Saved at shortstop, among the highlights of a relatively poor Angels infield.
At the plate, Neto hit .225 with a .308 on-base percentage and .377 slugging percentage as a rookie.
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