ANAHEIM, Calif. -- David Eckstein doesn't just impress fans and teammates.

The Angels' scrappy shortstop and leadoff man has fans all across the league, including members of the Boston Red Sox, the team Eckstein was released by before sticking with Anaheim in 2000.

Boston's leadoff hitter, Johnny Damon, said he admires Eckstein's presence.

"He's a big piece of it," Damon said. "He's a key to their offense. He gives you the big at-bats and is the table-setter. He might not have the biggest of shoulders, the size or the strength, but he's good at putting the ball in play."

Damon grew up in Orlando, not far from Eckstein's childhood stomping grounds of Sanford, Fla.

"It's nice to see a Central Florida boy doing well," he said.

Eckstein was released by the Red Sox after spending the majority of 2000 at their Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket.

Boston tried to change his hitting style and he batted .246, the first season in his pro career in which he hit under .300.

Eckstein says he's not bitter at the Red Sox organization, just happy it gave him an opportunity. Which is what Damon said is all Eckstein needed.

"He got the chance in Anaheim," Damon said. "Chance is big, and he got it."

Red Sox third baseman Shea Hillenbrand agreed.

"He has surprised a lot of people," Hillenbrand said. "No one gave him credit in Boston ... (the Red Sox) gave up on him and he's shown what type of player he is. He has taken advantage of the opportunity when a lot of people did not know about him. That's good to see. And he appreciates being given the chance. He's good people and he's been a lot of inspiration to me."