Brandon Beachy and MLB's 5 Most Surprising Breakout Stars at the Quarter Pole

With the 2012 season well under way, we're starting to see names already surface in MVP discussions as players like Josh Hamilton and Matt Kemp take the league by storm with their outstanding play.

At the very same time, a number of relatively unknown players throughout the league are doing everything they can to make their impression on the public, pitching successful innings and producing productive at-bats time and time again.

Brandon Beachy is perhaps the most defined example of a superior start, as the Braves starter is doing everything in his power to establish himself as one of the best pitchers in the division—if not the entire league.

He's not alone though, as some other players' hot starts are helping them stand out in their team's lineup cards just as much.

Baltimore Orioles, Jim Johnson

When you look at the top of the AL's saves list for 2012, you'll see the AL East once again represented with the top spot.

No, you won't see Mariano Rivera, but rather Jim Johnson of the surprising Baltimore Orioles. He's saved 14 games in 18 appearances this season, posting a 0.48 ERA and striking out nearly seven batters per nine innings.

Houston Astros, Jose Altuve

Without many reasons to cheer in Houston these days, the Astros may have found a formidable infield option in Jose Altuve.

After appearing in 57 games for Houston last year, Altuve has driven in 13 runs in 2012, stealing as many bases as he did all of last year and maintaining a .319 batting average in the 37 games he's played.

Chicago Cubs, Bryan LaHair

There's plenty to be unhappy about in Chicago as the Cubs find themselves in the basement of the NL Central at the quarter pole of the 2012 season.

But Bryan LaHair has emerged as a reliable option in his second season with the team, posting a .330 batting average and .422 on-base percentage while playing in 35 of the team's 38 games.

He's already reached double digits in home runs and has driven in 21 runs, while also earning 19 free passes in 135 plate appearances.

Texas Rangers, Robbie Ross

The Texas Rangers took some chances in their bullpen heading into the 2012 season as they moved Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, making newcomer Joe Nathan the team's closer.

Nathan has gotten off to a bit of a shaky start this season, but rookie Robbie Ross on the other hand has turned many heads in the first couple months of the season.

Coming out of the bullpen, Ross has posted a 4-0 record in 14 appearances, allowing only five earned runs this season en route to a solid 2.55 ERA.

Atlanta Braves, Brandon Beachy

Five-game winner Brandon Beachy has done a very good job maneuvering his way to the top of the NL ranks in ERA, as he's posted a 1.63 mark through eight starts this season.

He's given up only 34 hits in 54 innings pitched and with a .889 WHIP, he's set the bar for the rest of the young Braves rotation and has the rest of the league chasing him when it comes to the early odds on Cy Young favorites.