Want to bet the Boston Red Sox are regretting the day they told David Eckstein he wasn't good enough to play major league baseball?

The Anaheim Angels are certainly glad that they did.

Eckstein may only be 5-foot-8 and weigh 170 pounds, but he may have the game's biggest heart and gives 100 percent effort every time he takes the field.

Bottom line, Anaheim's little big man is a huge reason the Angels are playing San Francisco in the World Series which begins Saturday night.

He also adds a little local flavor to baseball's biggest show.

As you probably know, Eckstein's older brother Rick is an assistant coach with the Georgia baseball team.

In fact, David spent this winter in Athens working out with the Diamond Dogs during their off-season conditioning drills and preseason workouts before reporting to spring training in Arizona.

I remember talking with the shortstop back in mid-February as he was packing his bags for the flight out west.

He spoke about a variety of subjects, from his individual goals, what it's like to face Randy Johnson, to what kind of chances he thought the Angels had of contending in the American League West.

Naturally, Eckstein thought his team had as good an opportunity as anyone, citing the off-season efforts of Tim Salmon and the continued improvement of outfielder Garrett Anderson, one of the game's more underrated players.

Eckstein even felt confident about the Angels' starting pitching. He must have been psychic. Left-hander Jarrod Washburn developed into one of the American League's top starting pitchers, and with Troy Percival anchoring a bullpen which got better as the year went along, what was thought to be a weakness became one of the team's strengths.

Of course, Eckstein deserves a halo's share of the credit as well.

Pete Rose, baseball's original Charlie Hustle, was always my favorite player growing up. He played the game the way it was meant to be played.

Eckstein does too.

Don't believe it? Just watch.

Eckstein doesn't walk to first after a base on balls, he runs. Ground balls aren't simply fielded, they're pursued. Need a sacrifice bunt? Eckstein's your man.

Oh yeah, Eckstein did hit .293 with eight home runs and 63 RBI out of the leadoff spot for Anaheim, and led the Angels with 107 runs scored.

Not bad for someone the Red Sox released from their minor league system.

So, while I'm sure many of you will be watching the Series to see if Barry Bonds can finally win a championship, give Eckstein a look-see.

The smallest man on the field has been coming up big for the Angels all year.