MLB 2k12 Player Ratings: 5-Category Stars Who Will Explode in Latest Installment

There's nothing like playing with a five-category superstar in a video game.

Hit for average, bomb home runs, drive in runs and use your legs to steal bases and score.

It's easy to pick someone like Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder and just go for home runs, but the true joy lies in dominating your opponent in every way possible.

Here are some five-category lightning rods who you can use to drive your foes insane in MLB 2K12.

Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

2011 Stats: .289, 31 HR, 88 RBI, 105 Runs, 21 SB

Justin Upton had a career year in 2011, helping the Diamondbacks win the National League West.

He's not elite when it comes to contact, but he still hits at a pretty good clip and can contribute across the board.

With another year under his belt, expect Upton to continue his surge in 2012 and expect MLB 2K12's rating system to adjust accordingly.

Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox

2011 Stats: .307, 21 HR, 91 RBI, 102 Runs, 26 SB

No New York Yankees fan will use Pedroia, but every other fan should in the latest installment.

After a rough 2010, Pedroia got back on track in 2011, continuing to prove he's one of the best second basemen in the game.

He has always been a solid contact hitter, he has good power for a second baseman, and he can also steal some bases.

Add it all up and you have a 5'8" spark plug/gnat to use against your foes.

Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

2011 Stats: .332, 33 HR, 111 RBI, 109 Runs, 33 SB

Lost in Ryan Braun's MVP season was the fact that he stole 33 bases and was caught only six times.

Braun has the power and base-stealing skills to be a threat against some of the best teams in the league.

Your opponent could even use a pitching-heavy team like the Philadelphia Phillies and Braun will still destroy them.

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

2011 Stats: .321, 32 HR, 105 RBI, 119 Runs, 39 SB

Not only is Jacoby Ellsbury a five-cat stud, he's a pretty darn good outfielder, too.

Imagine hitting a couple home runs, stealing a couple bases, knocking in four or five runs and robbing your opponent of a four-bagger.

He's the perfect player to use against anyone who's a Yankees fan.

Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

2011 Stats: .324, 39 HR, 126 RBI, 115 Runs, 40 SB 

A case could be made that Matt Kemp deserved the MVP last season. He wasn't immersed in a playoff run like Braun, but he still managed 126 RBI and 115 runs on the 82-79 Dodgers.

Kemp, entering his seventh MLB season, is officially a superstar after last season. His character concerns appear to have disappeared, too.

Unless, of course, you have character concerns and control him.

A good player to use against San Francisco Giants fans.

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