Angels News: Phil Nevin Praises Rookie for Setting Great Example on Teammates

Zach Neto brought home the Angels' Heart and Hustle Award.

Amidst a season that has not been easy for the Los Angeles Angels, shortstop Zach Neto has been a highlight.

The rookie is hitting .241 with 30 RBI and 8 home runs, but his immeasurables are where Neto has really made an impact.

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced their latest winners of the Heart & Hustle Award, and the Angels' honoree was none other than Neto.

The selection committee is comprised of former pros with established relationships with each team, and name a winner from each ballclub "who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game," according to their website.

Angels manager Phil Nevin spoke highly of Neto after the award was announced.

"Any time you're recognized by your peers, and especially being a rookie like he is, it's just an example (of how) he plays the game and the impact he's had on the team," Nevin said. "... To have that big of an impact on the league, and especially on our team, in a short amount of time is very impressive."

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

A winner out of the thirty honorees will be announced as the season draws to a close after a fan, Alumni and active player vote is tallied.

The Angels are currently in a heated race for a spot in the AL Wild Card. At the time of this writing, the Angels are four games out of the bottom spot in the Wild Card, behind the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees and Mariners.