MLB 2K12: Power Ranking Cover Athlete Candidates for MLB 2K13

Justin Verlander is the cover man for MLB 2K12, but who has the best shot at being on the cover next season? Has 2K had a pattern or method in choosing cover athletes?

If so, it's definitely gone in stages. For the first four years of the franchise' existence, it was all Yankees; Jason Giambi once and Derek Jeter three years in a row from 2004 through 2007.

In 2008, 2K began to change cover athletes yearly, like most sports gaming franchises. Jose Reyes, then of the New York Mets was tabbed, followed by a Tim Linceceum in 2009, Evan Longoria in 2010, Roy Halladay last year and now Verlander.

As of late it seems pitchers have been the flavor, with the exception of Longoria. It also seems many of the players have either been stars for teams who made the playoffs or winners of major awards, like the Cy Young.

I guess that rules out any Houston Astros, huh?

Here are the top candidates for the MLB 2K13 cover:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury

Why?

Elllsbury rebounded from an injury plagued 2010 to have a stellar season in 2011. He finished second in the AL MVP voting with a 32 HR, 39 SB campaign. The Red Sox should return to the postseason this year under new manager Bobby Valentine, and a sick lineup that features Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to name a few. 

Ellsbury could very well capture the MVP award this year. That honor coupled with a postseason appearance may clinch the cover for Ellsbury.

2. Felix Hernandez

Why?

Hernandez gets no run support in Seattle, but maybe 2K can show him some love by tabbing him as its cover guy for 2K13.

King Felix had a down year, by his standards, in 2011. He only had a 3.47 ERA and a 14-14 record. This came after a season in which he won the Cy Young with a league best 2.27 ERA.

Hernandez has been a model of consistency, but I expect the Mariners to struggle to score runs again for him this year. This could be the season Hernandez is traded. If it is to a contender, as one would expect, Hernandez' role in a successful pennant race would help his chances of landing the cover.

3. Jason Heyward

The J-Hey Kid had a rough sophomore season, but he's too good a hitter for those struggles to continue. He is primed for a nice bounce-back season, and the Braves have a good compliment of young talent.

Atlanta is my pick for the NL Wild Card, and a 40 HR season for Heyward is my prediction. I know that is a huge jump for a player who has only 32 dingers in his two combined seasons, but Heyward is an elite, young power hitter.

Don't forget, he's still only 22 years old. This will be a huge season for him, and a good one for Atlanta.

That combination makes him a strong contender for the MLB 2K13 cover.