Re: Cano, Miller and Van Slyke
Great article, Doc. I read a story in the times about Cano's exchange with Van Slyke, and I took it (admittedly by reading between the lines) that what Van Slyke was trying to say was Miller had been working to incorporate some specific coaching from Van Slyke (and perhaps McClendon as well) and that during this period new and different input wasn't helpful. In other words, he was brittle AT THE MOMENT. I don't think Van Slyke meant that Cano should NEVER talk to Miller. Just NOT THEN. (Caps for emphasis, not for shouting.)
Don't know if I'm right on that, but it's a different slant on it. As you say, it's ridiculous for Van Slyke to designate Miller as off limits to Cano, but perhaps at the moment he had his reasons.
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I can't get into Spring Training baseball. I guess it's for the same reason I can't get into Minor League baseball. To me for the most part it doesn't matter, though admittedly in a few cases it does.