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.
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.
