Teddy Collier's Rocky Start

For two seasons, El Paso closer Teddy Collier has been striking fear in the hearts of batters everywhere. Now, the only thing he's scaring away is El Paso's postseason chances.

Teddy Collier El Paso Sun Kings Age: 31 B/T: R/R Born: Chillicothe, OH Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The typically unhittable Collier is among Double Day's highest paid relievers--he's slated to make 8.5 million this season--and also among their best. Last season, he notched 49 saves and a 1.86 ERA and was an AL All-Star and the Fireman of the Year, beating out Larry Wakefield in a close vote. Collier helped spearhead a resurgence for the El Paso franchise, which led to their ranking of #5 in our preseason poll.

Now, however, Collier has El Paso fans panicking after the worst professional week of his career. The 31-year-old is 0-2 (he was 1-0 last year) with two blown saves (he blew a mere three last year) and 6 Earned Runs (10 ER all of last year) in just 1.2 IP (48.1 in season two).

Needless to say, this is a shocking development for one of DD's most reliable relievers. Sources at the franchise say they don't fear the sturdy Collier is pitching hurt, or that age or complacency to blame, but simply that Collier has struggled to pitch away from contact in the early going and will have to correct this moving forward.

Collier's ERA currently stands at 32.40, and El Paso's prized closer will have to figure things out if the Sun Kings are to contend for a World Series title.