Tim Collins

Collins spit time between Triple-A Omaha and the big league club in 2014, working primarily in middle relief for the Royals. He posted an impressive 11.9 K/9 over 42.1 innings of Triple-A work, but was unable to sustain that in the majors, as his rate dipped to 6.4 K/9 over 21 MLB innings. Collins worked primarily as a lefty specialist, allowing just two extra-base hits to left-handed hitters while with the Royals. This performance earned the 25-year-old a spot on the ALDS roster, where he ended up logging 5.2 postseason innings. On most clubs, Collins would be one of the better bullpen options, but for a Kansas City bullpen that is one of the best in the majors, he's limited to pitching in low-leverage situations, ultimately limiting his potential impact.

Collins took a step backward in 2013, largely due to command issues that plagued him throughout the first half of the season. Up until the All-Star break, he struggled to find the strike zone, which resulted in a walk rate of 13.6 percent and elevated his pitch count; not something you want to see in your lefty specialist. Forcing himself to throw strikes didn't help either as he became much more hittable, even in low-leverage situations. But a corner was turned in the second half and Collins completely turned things around, increasing his strikeout rate, reducing the walks and stranding runners at a rate of just over 78 percent. He continuously jammed hitters, forcing an infield fly rate that jumped over 17 percent. He'll continue in his same role in 2014, but will obviously be watched with a little more scrutiny in the early going of the season in an effort to avoid a repeat of last year's struggles.

In just his second full season in the majors, Collins proved to be one of the Royals' most reliable pitchers out of the bullpen. He finished the season with a 5-4 record and a 3.36 ERA and set a new club record for left-handed relievers with 93 strikeouts over 69.2 innings. The growth that he's shown from his rookie season includes an improved K/BB, a lower WHIP and even a slight uptick in velocity - all of which shows he can maintain his success. His fantasy value is limited as he does not accrue saves or even holds, but he can be a solid ratio stabilizer and a decent source of strikeouts when you need someone to fill a roster spot.

After spending time in the Blue Jays and Braves minor league systems in 2010, "Tiny Tim" broke through to the majors with the Royals in 2011. He pitched 67 innings with 60 strikeouts, 48 walks, and a 3.63 ERA. His penchant for walks really hurt him, which is surprising considering he had never really had an issue with his control in the minors. Relying on three pitches, Collins has the potential to strikeout more batters than he showed in his rookie season. Only 22, he's likely to continue to hone his skills in middle relief in 2012.

Collins pitched for three organizations in 2010, but looks like he'll settle with Kansas City in 2011. He posted a 2.02 ERA with 15 saves between Double- and Triple-A last year and will be given a shot to join a Royals team with bullpen issues and few veteran arms blocking the way.