2012 MLB Predictions: Underrated Players That Will Be MVP Candidates

The start of the Major League Baseball season brings with it a world of optimism for all 30 teams. As the game has changed in the last five years, so has the way that we judge and evaluate awards that get handed out.

There are a lot of players that have flown under the radar for at least a year that are ready to put their stamp on the game in 2012. 

Specifically, these players are going to make a run at winning their respective league's MVP award. It would be easy to say that Albert Pujols or Joey Votto deserve the honor, because they have established themselves as dominant players. 

What makes the sport of baseball so much fun, though, is the unknown. Every year, we could see someone like Jacoby Ellsbury emerge from the shadows to have a great season that deserves to be recognized. 

So which underrated players will be serious MVP candidates this season?

Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

I am not sure if it is just because he plays in Tampa Bay, but no one really talks about how great Zobrist has been for the Rays since the start of the 2009 season. He was a legitimate MVP candidate in 2009, and deserved better than his eighth place finish. 

He had a down season in 2010, but bounced back nicely last season, hitting .269/.353/.469 while playing great defense at both second base and right field. His 6.6 wins above replacement ranked ahead of Robinson Cano, Prince Fielder, Justin Upton and Troy Tulowitzki. 

He has become a great everyday player thanks to some slight tweaks in his mechanics that added loft in his swing and allowed him to hit for more power. 

Evan Longoria is the superstar for this team, but Zobrist is not far behind him. He will have another big year in 2012. 

Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels

Yes, someone on the Angels not named Pujols with a great chance to make a run at the MVP award. Kendrick, who just signed a four-year extension with the team, had a breakout year in 2011 and still has room to get better. 

His defense, which was always good, improved dramatically last season. He finished with an ultimate zone rating of plus-14.4, which was third among American League second basemen. 

Kendrick's biggest weakness has always been his bat, but he displayed more power last year than at any point in his career with 18 home runs and a .464 slugging percentage.

He does have to improve his plate discipline and take a few more walks, but everything else is there for him to be a star for the new-look Angels. 

Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers

With Weeks, the only thing holding him back from superstardom is his inability to stay on the field. Two years ago, he played in 160 games and he finished 12th in baseball with 6.5 wins above replacement, according to Fangraphs. 

He missed 44 games last season and his production suffered as a result. He still hit 20 home runs, but his WAR dropped all the way down to 3.7. That is still good value, but it's not MVP-level production. 

His glove has never been great, but he has improved enough to be called an average defensive second baseman. 

Prince Fielder is gone. Ryan Braun could miss the first 50 games if his suspension for a positive drug test holds up. Weeks is going to be the most important player for the Brewers if they hope to make the playoffs in 2012. 

It is risky to bet on him playing more than 140 games, but if ever there was a season when he absolutely has to, this is it. 

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