Pitch And Moan: Catching Up With The Angels

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1:03I am motivated by Adeline who inspires me every day. I am driven to help families like mine navigate the healthcare system. I'm so blessed to lead an amazing team at United Healthcare focusing on the member experience and making that better. I'm Spencer and I'm committed to care. Yeah, there should be some passion. This doesn't have to be boring, boring, boring. You're doing good for my business. Get one thing to gain needs, there's more people like you. You, you, you. Still have pro. They run around tight. Hey. It's looking back, but Daniel Barrett's here. There it's all to Lamaccia. This is Brock Hole. Hey, this is John Lester. Baseball is in boring. Welcome to Baseball is in boring. Los Angeles Angels, Zach Netto. Welcome to the show. How are you? I'm doing pretty good. Thank you for having me. No problem. Thank you for joining me. You've had a very quick rise to the majors. What was your biggest adjustment while joining the Angels from college? I think the biggest thing was just, you know, fortunate enough I was able to get here at a young age.

2:03You know, not play too many games in a minor league. So the biggest adjustment for me was just to be able to learn everything that would have learned in a minor leagues, learn it here at the big league level. You know, still having fun as well. You know, of course, you're in the big leagues and you want to, you know, can be you want to perform. But still learning different things on what you need to do as a player, as a team. And just to be able to gel in and, you know, I was fortunate enough to go to big league camp that year and, you know, be familiar with the guys. And, you know, getting sent down to my early camp and then, you know, getting called up. You know, I was able to steal those guys again. But just building those relationships and, you know, letting the nerves get out early and just be able to enjoy the time with the guys. So who is a guy in the clubhouse that helped you sort of mesh with the team and get to that major league level and that thought process? Yeah, I would say, you know, Trout definitely helped me a lot, you know, even till today, you know, he's still, we still bigger all the time about different things. But I'd probably say Anthony Rendon, he definitely made it a lot easier for me.

3:03You know, just making sure he was always on my side, you know, making sure that I needed to be where I was supposed to. You know, kind of like an older brother for me. You know, he was very, very hard, you know, but, you know, I look at his tough love and, you know, that's what he was all about. You know, just, you know, not sugar coating it for anybody. And I'm just making sure that, you know, I was the same player every single day and not letting my advanced gets me or whatnot. So, yeah, all the thank yous to Rendon for sure. I actually love hearing that because I mean, you know, obviously he's had a couple of, you know, up and down years, certainly. Now, is he somebody that he's off the Angels now? Is he someone that he's still that you still keep in touch with? Yeah, for sure. I try to keep in touch with as much as I can. You know, I know he's got a lot going on right now, especially, you know, this past year. But, you know, we try to, we try to talk here and there. I know, especially when coming through my shoulder surgery, you know, somebody that, you know, I talk to almost once a week and just, just to kind of hear his process. You know, I know, I know he's dealt with it before and just to kind of how to approach it, you know,

4:07how slow to take care of one night and what to expect coming back, you know, joining the club again, not having to spring training at play or do anything to get ready. So, just, you know, just mentally physically and just talking off the field as well, you know, seeing how his kids are doing and the house is here, he's building and stuff. So, it was pretty nice and, you know, it's a guy that, you know, I will always call and know that he'll answer and, you know, we could try it up whenever. So, let's talk about the 2026 season. Obviously, New Year, brand new coaching staff. What has the vibe been at Angels Camp so far? It's been chill. It's been chill. I think that's the best word to put it. Chill, but we're getting after it. You know, we're doing the things that we need to do to get ready every single day. I feel like we got a really good clubhouse in there and, you know, the coaching staff doing a really good job but just, you know, kind of jelling with us and, you know, at the same time, you know, when it's time to be serious, it's time to be serious. But, you know, it's just a matter of, you know, everybody becoming one person and, you know, not just, you know, different identities elsewhere in the clubhouse.

5:14And I feel like that's happened in the past before and this year, I feel like, you know, we're all together and, you know, it shows out here in practice. You know, we have a ton of fun and, you know, even in the game time, you know, sometimes we look like we're joking around. We're just having a good time, you know, trying to keep the weight off our shoulders and, you know, just play ball. So what has been your early impressions of Kurt Suzuki? Because he's a younger guy, right? I mean, his playing days were not that far behind him. What are your thoughts on that as a young player with a young man? I would also say he's like another, he's like the oldest brother for me. Oh, I like that. You know, he's definitely out of the game early but, you know, he's a super chill, funny guy. You know, when it's time to work, it's time to work and, you know, he's just making sure he gets it. He understands, you know, what it takes and, you know, he understands how we're feeling, you know, especially this early in spring. Or, you know, when we're in the game and if we feel good and that bad, so if we want one more or whatnot, he knows how it feels.

6:14So, you know, it's a guy who can relate, you know, his experiences and, you know, what we're experiencing now. So I think it's a great, great guy. You know, he's an awesome family guy, awesome, you know, players coach and, you know, he wants to win and that's the biggest thing. What about new hitting coach Brady Anderson? It's, again, another former player that is not too far removed. For sure. What kind of influences he had on you so far? Oh, he's had a big influence, you know, just, you know, not doing too much, just simplifying the game, you know, simplifying my approach. You know, just telling me every single day that I'm going to be great and, you know, it's something that I already know. But, you know, hearing it every single day, you know, it gives me extra motivation to just go out there and, you know, being myself. You know, it's, like I said, we don't, we don't really talk much about, you know, hitting, hitting stance or, you know, anything, it's our conversations goes, who's pitching? It really doesn't matter, you know, it's me versus them and, you know, they have to come to me. I don't have to go to them. So it's just a matter of, you know, knowing who I am as a player is going out there and doing me.

7:17One final question for you because I've heard some rumblings and I have to confirm this with you. Are you a big professional wrestling fan? I am. You're a big fan, yeah. You're a big fan. So who is your all-time favorite professional wrestler? Ooh. I mean, I'd probably say John Cena. Okay. I grew up watching John Cena. I was my first event down in Miami with my older brother. But, you know, watching it, you know, even continuously now, you know, I would say Penta is my favorite guy. You just dropped a Penta reference on the podcast. Oh, you bet. That's a ten out of ten. That's a set of me, you know. Oh, my gosh. Penta, you know, I always like Roman Reigns, you know. Especially, you know, I didn't really like him much when he was with the shield. But once he left the shield, you know, I started liking him way more. You know, just a story behind it. It's the best, so. How often do you get out to shows when you can? I mean, obviously, physical blinds. So whenever they're in city, wherever we're in the city or they're in the city, you know, we try to go. I know last year during my rehab assignment, I was in Sacramento and it just so happened to be they were in Sacramento.

8:20You know, I got a bunch of the guys they were flying in and, you know, we all, I took them all out to the WWE event. We're sitting, you know, right there close to the entrance. So, you know, it was a good time, you know, and I got to enjoy it. I hadn't been to one since I was about, like, ten years old. And so it was a very good experience and, you know, they treated us well. And, you know, we had a good time. Well, I like to see you wear a lucha mask. I think that's right. Let's get you an angel's lucha mask. I want you to rock and even feel you do need it. That's right. Well, I appreciate your time, Zach. Thank you, guys. You know, it is a pleasure to be reunited with my old friend Nick Magical.

9:22Nick, how are you doing? Good, good. Yeah, thank you. Good to see you. I am glad that you have resurfaced on the angels. Obviously, you were first round draft pick with the White Sox. What is your mentality now going into angels camp after an injury with the Metzlesis? Yeah, I think so. Last couple of years have a lot of injuries, you know, but, you know, I'm thankful to be out here. The body feels great. And, you know, just trying to take every day as a blessing and really enjoy it. You know, I feel like this year, I'm starting to enjoy the game again. You know, I think I've gotten caught up in things that aren't important. I think I played my best, but when I'm enjoying everything, I feel like it's going to be great. And, you know, just trying to take every day as a blessing and really enjoy it. You know, I feel like this year I'm starting to enjoy the game again. And, you know, just trying to be there for my teammates and overall feel real good right now. So, can we just break down a little bit about your time with Chicago? You know, obviously, like I said, first round draft pick.

10:22You know, that was many years ago at this point, right? I mean, what have you learned from that experience till now? Yeah, I think, every single year, I feel like I've learned more and more about myself, about my body, about the game of baseball. You know, looking back on that, I think I've learned what it takes to really take care of my body. You know, looking back, you know, 2021 that year, I hurt my hamstring and had the big surgery. You know, I was wearing the first place at the time. You know, I just got excited. I had a hard time of taking myself out of the lineup, but I was trying to play through it. You know, I was wrapping up my hamstring, just doing anything I could to stay on the field for that team. And, looking back on that, I probably should have taken myself out and got it right and just been there for that team. But, you know, you live and learn, and, you know, I'm thankful to be in this position now. And definitely look back on those memories with the White Sox, even on the Cupside, too. I'll bring that up, yeah. Some great times there, also. You've actually had some successes with the Cubs. You're playing third base a little bit. I mean, you kind of went out of your comfort zone.

11:23What was that experience like? Yeah, it was crazy. You know, I think the way that team shaped up in spring train, there wasn't a whole lot of spots. You know, I kind of found myself on the outside of things. And they said, well, maybe third base. There might be some playing time. And, you know, I put my head down and try to learn third base as best I could. And I felt pretty comfortable over there. And it's kind of funny. The Sox season, a lot of teams were called for me as a third base. And, you know, and one of those things that I probably would have never guessed, you know, years ago. But, you know, I'll do whatever it takes to be in the lineup, be a part of a team. But, yeah, I was just feeling good at the moment. So, obviously you're on the Angels now. What are we looking at for you position wise here? Are they looking at a third base for you potentially? Yeah, I think it's a little combination of bouncing around. You know, second, third. I think even emergency shortstop could be in the car. I've even mentioned I feel like I can go catch a five ball if they need me too. Oh, wait a second. I'll play out with you potentially seeing you in the outfield. Possibly. Maybe, you know, I think, especially in the game of baseball today, it doesn't hurt to be versatile out there.

12:26So, I'll do whatever it takes to be out there. So, yep. What have your impressions out of Angels Camp and so far? New coaching staff, Kurt Suzuki, fairly young manager. Obviously, Brady Anderson, got a lot of young blood here. What are your initial thoughts over on the staff? Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of talent in camp, you know, especially from the coaching side. A lot of people that played the game of baseball and know what they're talking about. So, yeah, I think even the guys in camp, there's a lot of big league experiences, a lot of young guys. So, it's really a mixture right now, but the vibes have been high. Been enjoying every single day. So, we'll see how the team shapes up. So, a guy like Zack Nato, who just was on with me. I mean, he's kind of turning. He's a young player, but he's also kind of has that veteran presence at this point. Have you been able to sort of work with him a little bit? Talk to him about his presence and how he goes to bat every day? For sure. Yeah, he's a great player, even better person. You know, I've got to know him the last couple of weeks in camp. He's someone that, you know, is really one of the leaders on the team.

13:27And he's taking people around and bringing them in. You know, he did a team dinner the other night with all the guys. And he's someone that's really important to the team. And I mean, he's such a great talent. You know, he has so many years ahead of him. And the Angels definitely have a good one in him. So, obviously the basic question, your last question. I appreciate your time there. Of course. What are your goals going into 2026? You know, I think just getting back to playing my game. You know, I think over the years, I've really, you know, just over thought things and really lost my strengths. You know, so I think I've really had a lot of time to think over myself. And just getting back to enjoying it, playing hard, and believing in what I'm doing out there. And yeah, we'll see what happens looking forward to this year. Well, you know, I'm always rooting for you. Appreciate it. Good luck this year, and I will look forward to talking to you. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you. You know, there's not many people I'd rather spend the morning with than my old friend, John Gibbons. John, welcome back to the show. Courtney's good to see you. Yeah, we did. It's been a while now. But, you know, check out on Instagram.

14:27Are you doing a great job? It's good to see you in person wearing your angel's colors. I am actually wearing angels red today. Did it accidentally? But I'm proud that I did. I'm representing. I'm bringing you guys good luck. Yeah, you're the good luck charm. I am the good luck charm. We hope so. You better be. I got to be. So if the season doesn't go well, you'll have to blame it on me. Come back to me in September and yell at me. Those little blaming on me. I don't even know how to blame it on you. The new bench coach, John Gibbons, just screwed up the whole. Screwed up the whole vibe. Screwed up the whole vibe. So speaking of vibe, obviously, first year at the angels, you came from the Metz. That was kind of a little bit of a crazy season for you last year in New York, right? I mean, with everything that went down there. But now we have a fresh start in Anaheim. What is the vibe and an angel's camp so far? Well, Courtney, I love it out here, man. You know, I think the baseball world is under arrest. I mean, that's because we've got some good talent in here. Yeah, I'm saying that. You got to go out and do it. You know, because it's been, you know, rough last few years here. So, but we might be sleepers. You know, and I will tell you this.

15:28It's, you know, I know. I didn't know Kurt Suzuki before. You know, I'd seen him playing. I was always a big fan. But I knew Perry, our general manager, good baseball guys, you know. And when they called and they offered me the job, I thought, you know what? I'll give it one more year before I fade away, right? One more solid year. But, you know, Courtney, I've been a very good baseball people. You know, in this world, a crazy heavy analytics. You know, there's still some good baseball stuff going on around here. You know, it's good balance, but at that weight. And we always like to talk about this, not to interrupt you, because, you know, it is very analytically driven the game now. And, you know, you're kind of an old school baseball guy. You know, you've, you've now, you're with Kurt Suzuki. He was a former catcher. I mean, how do you balance, but he's a younger guy. So how do you balance like your sort of old school mentality to this new school, new vibe of analytics driven game? Yeah, well, you know, he's, he's a, he's a good mix because he's a, he's a younger guy.

16:28He was, you know, when he, when he catch that long in the big leagues, he's naturally got an advantage. You know, he's, he's a whole game. You know, the, the top part of the game is pitcher staff. Right? Handling pitcher staff. So he's got that going for him. But plus, he's been around the new stuff and all the analytics. And there's a lot of good in that. I think sometimes in some places, you can carry it away with it and just live and die with it. So I think if you blend them, you're probably going to be a pretty good shape. And I take, I've been very pressed. He's a natural, Kurt's a natural, and he's going to be, you know, he's, I think he's going to have a great career doing this. And, you know, I hope I, you know, I started out with Mendoza, Wendy up there in New York, his first go round. And really enjoyed it. And hopefully here, you know, I could be maybe help Kurt a little bit in his first go round. And then I'll watch him on my couch. I'll watch him on TV 10 years from now. He'll be a succeed. You'll be like, you know what? I contributed to that. I kept him away from those potholes. Put it down. Oh, I love, I like that actually. Well, another guy you have on staff, former player Brady Anderson.

17:31Yes. What are your thoughts on Brady right now? How's he doing in camp? He's doing a great job. You know, he's really, you know, the big part of any coach and job, you know, is hitting it off with the players. Those guys understand, hey, you got their best interests in heart. That's when you got him, you know, and, you know, especially for a guy that's first go round doing this. You know, he's got that nag. He's got that something different. You know, he sees things, you know, he's had a lot of success. A lot of success. Yeah. So he knows something, a thing or two about hitting. But he's got a good way about him, you know, and, you know, it's good to see him back in the game, you know, and, you know, we got it. We got a pretty good blend here. We got some, we got some old timers. There's no question about it. He's not the old one. The old timers. No, no, no. Me and a couple of other guys. But I think it's, it's a good mix here. So obviously a lot of fans know Zach Knotto, right? Zach Knotto is sort of the flash on the Angels. Who is a player right now that you think Angels fans just are paying more attention to? Well, guys, you know, you know, I've always been on the East Coast type, you know,

18:32with my baseball, and I've seen these guys, you know, and they occasionally catch them on TV, or, you know, they play maybe one series against them. But there's some good, you know, it's, Trout looks good. Trout looks very good. Oh, and if he's out, you know, he's supposed to be banged up, right? He's been at it a long time, you know. Sure. But he looks really good. So Adele had a big year this year. He's really coming into his own, you know, and happy behind the plate. You know, he's gaining confidence in me. He can be as good as he wants to be. You know, Zach, you know, he's got something. He's got that charisma. He's got all that, right? He does. And, you know, he'll be, he's one of those guys. It'll be a face and baseball. You know, not only is he a good player, but people love it, you know. He's engaging. Yeah, he's sharing it. Exactly. And so this is in Chanel over first base, you know, I tell you what, like I said, I think people may be underestimating this a little bit. Which is a good thing, you know, and we still got to go out and play. So Mike Trout speaking to Mike Trout speaking to

19:32a healthy Mike Trout, a lot of talk about him going back into center field. How is that looking so far? It looks good. You know, that was just a big question, Mark, you know, how it, how it looks feeling. And, you know, I mean, in his prime, and when he's healthy, nobody does it better. Right. Right. So that's everything was just kind of hinge on that. And he looks good in this camp right here. You know, I'd seen Mike, the other guy out in a, I think I've enjoyed being around him, you know, because he's a very humble guy, you know, and he's really Mr. America. Oh, I mean, it was all American boy. Yes, he is. There's not enough of those guys running around in this game anymore, you know. Well, he is an Eagles fan, though. You don't love that. Well, yeah, well, that's the tough side of it. That's the tough part of it. You know, that's the rough side of it. Put it there. Put it there. Good thing to have, too, right? Yeah, yep. Well, speaking of that, so obviously WPC is going on. A lot of really cool stuff. Obviously, Shoheo, Tony, today, hit the Grand Slam for Japan. Okay. Really, really cool. Any thoughts on the WPC situation? Any favorites from you? I mean, I know you're a team.

20:32You know, say a guy, of course. Gosh, it better be right. You know what I mean? Especially after hockey. Yes, oh my gosh. Yeah. Men and women, both women. How amazing is that? You know, we need to do it. We need to do it again, you know. We do. Who was that? I think Leland was last one. And one of them. I think he was your correct, yeah. But, you know, there's so many, you look at the team Dominican, you know, it's full of all the stars, you know. Of course, Japan, defending champs. There's so many. You know, the beauty of our game, you know, there's so many great players around the world. It made us a better game, you know. And it's really an all-star event. But, you know, anytime you put national pride on the line, I think it revs it up. It does. You know, and I think early on when it first started, maybe the US team took it from Brandon a little bit. You know, kind of well, you know, you know, because it looks like in America, that's not your lot of the certain things. Yeah. And I think that's changed. I think they got that, they got that fire. Plus, it gets a pretty good player. So, it's hell. Never heard of it. Never heard of it. So, I have to ask you just because you were such a long time manager.

21:32You were a bench coach with Mendoza back in New York. Obviously, bench coach now with the Angels and the Kurt Suzuki. I mean, do you ever want to put that manager's head on? I mean, and kind of maybe do that. Oh, for me. See, I'm running on the spot, do you see? It's like asking one of those politicians. Are you running for president? Exactly. You know, I have my chance. Yeah, yeah. So many good people have taken care of me in this game. And, you know, there's a lot goes into that job. And as you get older, be jumper to good. You know, good or bad. I don't care. You know, what kind of season you're having. I'm totally satisfied. You know, originally, this year, my plan was, you know, I was going to get back into scouting. Kind of fade away a little bit. Okay. Cool. You know, of course, then they call. And I think, well, I can give it at least one more year. You know. And so we'll see what happens. But no, I really enjoyed my two years doing this, you know, with Mendy and, you know, I hope that I enjoyed this year. With Kurt, you know, the good people. You know, you never say never did anything.

22:32But life's a little more peaceful than it used to be, right? I understand that. Now, do you think you'll get into scouting after your last bench coach gig? Is it not putting you on the spot again? Yeah. I would love to. You know, it's less demanding on things family. And, you know, you're a little bit older. You don't move quite as well. And, you know, the only problem is the scouting. You need your eyes in those circumstances. I can't help it. Anyway. But, you know, I've been in the game for a whole life. You know, we'll see. We'll see. You never know. So one final question for you. I always appreciate your time. Yeah. You know. You got to go to Vegas, right? You've been going to Vegas. I mean, Gibby and Vegas. That's going to be. Anything but, actually. Oh, my. I really know. No margaritas in Vegas for you. No, that's only a good Mexican food back home. Oh, okay. I understand that. Yeah. You're a Texas guy. And I've been up a conservative guy, so I tried to hold on to my money. Oh, that's smart, man. So one final question for you. Obviously, you have been around the game a long time. You're a player, manager, coach.

23:32It's pretty trained to be a grind, right? Yes. It's long. It is. But I'm sure you have some good memories from it too from your coaching, playing days, managing days. Any quick, funny story from your spring training days early on that you can share on the podcast. Yeah, let's see. Yeah. You know, I've been with all different kind of teams. You know, and different managers. You know, one of the really serious ones. The fun, loving all that. I mean, let me think real quick. Well, I guess you could call it a humorous time. But at the moment, it wasn't humorous. I'm going to go back with my boy, Josh Donaldson. Oh, yes. It's spring training down in Dunning. There was something going on. We always had this. And before they fixed the facility up, there was this little elementary school behind, you know, the stadium that we were playing. And I think something gave us, somebody, they sent a memo out saying, listen, they got something going on. We can't play the music during B&B and all that, right? And, you know, it was kind of vague. So we nobody knew for sure. So I'm sitting there talking to the media, like you did every morning.

24:32The guys can always come out and stretch it. Here comes Josh having this big old boom box, right? Like cranked up loud. The worst part, I couldn't understand music, what they were saying in the music. That made it worse. It's a big country. Maybe we'll let it slide. Oh, that would have been right up your alley. So I had to go get that thing and take it in. And of course, he followed me. And we had a little discussion. Oh, I'm sure. Like we had many of them. And it turned out to be a fun thing. At the moment, it wasn't. It was a crying out loud. Just because you didn't go to class in school, doesn't mean these kids behind us can't. It shouldn't. Well, at least you didn't, as far as I know, put your hands around his throats. No. You had all the room for reputation for that back in the day. I know. That's a terrible thing to have, because I'm one of the most passive guys around. You really are. So I'm not sure why you got so fired up on your, and your Toronto day. You don't have to, Courtney. And nothing ever happens to knee jerk. Some things build, you know? Fully understand. And sooner or later, you know, you got to, some place you got to fight fire with fire, right? Oh, I do like that. And you're absolutely right. And it was always one of my favorite things. I'm like, you know, John, John's the kind of guy that, hey, I do want to have a drink with. And B, seems like, you know, want to mess with.

25:33No. And you know, Courtney, you know, and all the guys that, you know, I mean, everybody has it. But sometimes you never know, right? Right. I love all the guys that, you know, they never hurt our relationships at all. And, you know, because, hey, let's be serious about this game. You know what? Without these good players, the manager's nothing. That's absolutely true. So, you know what? I made sure, I had to make sure I took care of those guys that I put in his with, too. Got to do it. Got to do it. That's right. John, obviously, always a pleasure. Go up to the seer. I will be rooting for you, as I always do. Thanks, Courtney. Great to see you. Get to see you. Follow baseballs and boring in the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcast. Shot clocks, big shots, upsets, aces, TGL playoffs are here. First, Atlanta Drive starts their repeat run against Los Angeles Golf Club. Then, Rory's Boston Common Golf and Tigers Jupiter links face-off in their playoff debuts. Who will advance? Keep up its playoffs. Tune in Tuesday, March 17th at 6.30pm and 9.00pm only on ESPN and the ESPN app.