WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Don't talk to Astros manager A.J. Hinch about defending a World Series title. The way the fourth-year Houston manager sees it, the Astros don't have to defend anything. The 2017 season is in the books, and Hinch proudly says the Astros' championship banner will fly forever, no matter what happens in '18.
If you get the idea the defending -- there's that word again -- World Series champions are eager to get Spring Training underway, with the first workout for pitchers and catchers Wednesday at the Ballpark at the Palm Beaches, you're right.