Hinch, Garner enjoy strong friendship

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The only two managers to lead the Astros to the World Series rode in a car together from the Astros' spring facility in West Palm Beach to First Data Field on Tuesday morning, talking baseball and sharing stories like old friends.

Phil Garner, who led the Astros to the National League pennant in 2005, and current manager A.J. Hinch, who led Houston to its first World Series championship last year, have become close since Hinch came to Houston in 2015. They live close to each other, play golf together and frequently make time to eat breakfast together.

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Hinch invited Garner to camp this year to spend a few days as a special instructor. That means…