MLB All-Star Game 2012: Does Bryce Harper Deserve to Make the NL Squad?

Voting for the 2012 All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City is under way, with the first results being released this past Tuesday.

One name missing from the ballot is Bryce Harper's, and many are probably wondering the same thing I am—does he deserve to partake in the weekend's events?

Let's just take a look at his numbers.

Nothing really jumps out at you when you look at Harper's stat line—maybe his four triples surprised you, but that stat alone won't be enough for him to make the squad.

He's been solid all around in his rookie season. With six home runs, 17 RBI and a line of .288/.367/.532, he has put himself in the running for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

For me, the most impressive stat I see on Harper's line is his .367 OBP. For a 19-year-old playing in the majors, that's very impressive.

Again, that won't help him to make the All-Star team, though.

At this point, it seems as if the only way that Harper will participate in the All-Star festivities is if fans write him in. That's not exactly a bad situation, as there's no doubt that most fans would love to see Harper in the game.

Major League Baseball would greatly benefit from having Harper in Kansas City for the game. They could very easily market his personality, and the fact that he's in the game could even draw more fans to the contest.

Harper has already done great things for the game of baseball, which will likely be enough (in the fans' eyes) to warrant an All-Star nod.

Whether or not his achievements within the game of baseball are enough remains to be seen.

In the end, I see Harper making the team as a write-in.