Home Run Derby 2012: Mark Trumbo Will Be Breakout Star

In his second major league season, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo is starting to get the recognition he deserves.

Trumbo is a budding star in the American League, putting up impressive numbers in his first two seasons with the big club, but he has yet to gain the national attention he deserves.

A lot of that may have to do with the arrival of a former MVP in Albert Pujols and the emergence of young phenom Mike Trout. With a ton of press being directed at these two big names, Trumbo has gone under the radar nationally to an extent.

But Trumbo has an excellent opportunity this week to change that.

Tonight, Trumbo will be competing for the American League in the Home Run Derby. For a short period of time, all eyes in the baseball world will be on Trumbo as he takes a stab at some of the league's best.

Trumbo has had some great numbers the past two years. In 2011, Trumbo hit only .254, but he was able to drive in 87 runs and add 29 homers. 

This year, Trumbo has improved his hitting for both power and average. Thus far, he has hit .304 with 22 homers and 57 RBI only halfway through the year.

With the success he has had, Trumbo deserves to be a national name, but fans have yet to recognize his ability. 

In All-Star voting, Trumbo finished fifth in voting at his original position of third base. Two players that finished ahead of him at this position, Evan Longoria and Alex Rodriguez, were not selected by 2012 AL All-Star manager Ron Washington as reserves.

Trumbo has the respect of the players and coaches of Major League Baseball. It's time for the fans to recognize that as well. If Trumbo wants the respect he deserves, he can earn it with a big performance tonight.