BASEBALL
	3.21.05 Before last season I previewed four teams that I thought would be interesting to watch for 2004: Baltimore, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Detroit.  I recapped the 2004 seasons of Baltimore and Los Angeles last time, and here are the recaps for Toronto and Detroit. Toronto Last year I touted the Blue Jays as being one of only four teams to win at least 70 games every year since 1980.  Well, they promptly went out and won only 67 games, breaking that streak.  Injuries played a huge roll in their step back, stealing time from all three of their superstars, Carlos Delgado, Vernon Wells, and Roy Halliday.  Halliday was particularly affected coming off his Cy Young 2003 performance.  He only made 21 starts in 2004 and compiled an 8-8 record with a 4.20 ERA.  Without their staff ace, Toronto's pitching floundered for most of the year.  The one bright spot was 24 year old David Bush, who started 16 games and put up a 3.69 ERA while going 5-4. They weren't much better on offense, with Delgado being limited to 128 games, although he still hit 32 homers and drove in 99 runs.  Vernon Wells, coming off his breakout 2003 performance, was injured early and came on strong late to finish with a .272 average with 23 homers.   Eric Hinske continued his mediocrity.  I, along with many others, predicted that Hinske would return to numbers closer to those he put up during his rookie of the year campaign, but only managed to hit .246, although he did hit 15 dingers and did drive in 69. The bright spots on offense were the play of a couple of youngsters.  Alexis Rios played in 111 games as a rookie and batted .286.  He didn't show much power, but he did steal 15 bases and got on base at a pretty good clip for a rookie.  He will probably never be much of a power threat, but he should provide excellent defense in left field (only because Wells has center all wrapped up) and, if he can improve his plate discipline, he could be a valuable lead off hitter.  Orlando Hudson also was impressive for Toronto, batting .270 with 12 homers and 58 RBI.   He also got on base over 34% of the time and stole 7 bases.  He and Rios should be capable table-setters for the Blue Jays for years to come. Unfortunately, for 2005 the Jays have lost their big bopper, Carlos Delgado.  That puts the pressure of offensive production squarely on the shoulders of Vernon Wells.  Roy Halliday should return to form, and the rest of the young pitching staff should improve, so the Jays chances in 2005 will be determined by how Wells handles the load. Detroit Most teams that finish 72-90 would not consider the season to be a success.  But when you consider that Detroit's record was 29 games better than in 2003, 72 wins looks pretty good.  Their major free agent acquisition, Pudge Rodriguez, paid off big time, hitting .334 with 19 homers and 86 rbi.  Their other free agent pick-up, Fernando Vina, who was supposed to stabilize the top of the lineup and the infield defense, flopped, playing in only 29 games.   The big surprise of this team was Carlos Guillen.  For some reason the Mariners decided they didn't like Guillen and traded him to the Tigers (after trying to trade him to Cleveland first).  Guillen responded by hitting .318 with 20 homers and 97 rbi.  Carlos Pena made more baby steps towards fulfilling his potential, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 82, but only hitting .241. The pitching was still pretty rough.  The big pitching free agent acquition was Jason Johnson (which says something in itself) and he went 8-15 with a putrid 5.13 ERA.  The three youngsters, Maroth, Bonderman, and Robertson, each made some progress.  They all had double digit wins and, although none had an ERA under 4.30, showed flashed of potential. Detroit brought all of its productive players back for 2005 and added Magglio Ordonez and Troy Percival in free agency.  Magglio could pay off big if he can keep his knee healthy, and Percival will stabilize the end of the bullpen, which was left shorthanded last season when Ugeth Urbina's mother was kidnapped and Urbina left the team to tend to family business.  A middle of the lineup with Guillen, Pudge, Magglio, Pena, and Rondell White should put up some runs.  If the pitching staff continues to mature, Detroit could make a move in the weak Central Division.
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