MLB All-Star Game 2012: Which Stars Disappointed the Most

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The MLB All-Star Game had no shortage of impressive performances. Melky Cabrera was the top dog when it came to All-Star performances.

Cabrera took home the MVP award in his former home stadium. He had two hits, including a home run and two RBI. Melky and his fellow Giants' teammates Pablo Sandoval and Matt Cain led the National League to an 8-0 victory.

It was quite the disappointment for the American League as a whole, but there were players from both sides of the diamond that didn't play up to their potential.

It means next to nothing that these players didn't produce, but the players themselves would tell you that they wish they'd have the opportunity to redeem themselves. Here are the All-Star Game's biggest disappointments.

Mark Trumbo

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Trumbo joined teammate Mike Trout in the duo's first All-Star Game. Trout, however, was more successful than his powerful teammate in the star-studded game.

Trumbo was 0-2 with two strikeouts after filling in for Jose Bautista in right field. This was not the kind of performance the first-time All-Star wanted to showcase after a blistering hot first half of the season.

Trumbo has an impressive .306 average with 22 home runs and 57 RBI in his second big-league season.

This new All-Star is still young at 26 years old and will have more opportunities to redeem himself in future All-Star Games. All that matter right now is the second half and getting the Angels to the postseason.

Bryce Harper

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There's no doubt that Bryce Harper is the most talked about young player in baseball.

Too bad he couldn't translate his talent to baseball's biggest midseason game. Harper looked like a rookie during the game, missing a routine fly ball in the lights and striking out once in two plate appearances.

He did show some promise, however, walking in his first All-Star Game plate appearance.

Harper's performance does not reflect the player that he is. He was the youngest player in the game and is sure to be an All-Star for years to come. He has shown flashes of greatness in the first half of the season, batting .282 with eight home runs and 25 RBI in just 63 games.

Look for Harper to only get better from here and I can guarantee he will be hoisting an MVP trophy in the Midsummer Classic in the near future.

Justin Verlander

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No one expected a lackluster performance from the American League starter, Justin Verlander.

Verlander is arguable the best pitcher in the world right now and his performance tonight didn't reflect that in the least. He gave up four hits, five runs and walked two batters in one inning pitched.

Verlander told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, "I know this game means something. But we're here for the fans, and I know the fans don't want to see me throw 90 [miles per hour] and hit the corners. Just let it eat, and have fun."

Basically, Verlander went out and tried to show off his arm strength, throwing 26 out of his 35 pitches at over 97 mph.

Don't expect this performance to affect Verlander's second-half performance. He is still the best pitcher in baseball and this will most likely motivate him to improve on his already-stellar 9-5 record with a 2.58 ERA and a league-leading 128 strikeouts. This also won't be his last start of an MLB All-Star Game.

Joey Votto

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Joey Votto burst onto the scene in 2008 and has hit over .300 every season since then. He is every team's dream first baseman.

He can hit for average and power, and he can draw walks, all while playing a great defensive first base.

He would be the first to tell you that he was not himself in the All-Star Game. He started the game at first base and he was 0-3 with a strikeout.

It's rare to see Votto have a no-hit game, and this will not be a regular occurrence for the young Votto. He has a .348 average with 14 home runs and 48 RBI in the first half of the season and will be just as impressive in the second half. Votto will redeem himself in next year's game.

Matt Harrison

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Matt Harrison is having his best season as an MLB starting pitcher. You would not have guessed that if you watched the All-Star Game.

Harrison was one of two players, the other being Justin Verlander, to allow runs in the 2012 Midsummer Classic. Harrison pitched one inning, giving up four hits and three runs, including a home run to Melky Cabrera.

Harrison is one of the league's rising pitchers and the 26-year-old starter will be continuing his near-dominance in the second half of the season.

He currently has an 11-4 record with a 3.10 ERA, both on pace for his career best. Harrison needs to put this salty performance behind him and focus on helping the Rangers get back to the World Series.