MLB All-Star Game 2012: Chris Sale and Players Who Will Surprise in Kansas City

There are plenty of players participating in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kauffman Stadium that few would have predicted at the beginning of the season. Who would've thought veteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey would be leading the MLB in wins, or that Brian LaHair would even be on the roster?

With so many surprises who made the team, the stage is set for some unanticipated performances on one of baseball's biggest stages. Who will take home the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award is anybody's guess, but here are a few players poised to surprise in Kansas City.

American League

Chris Sale, LHP

On an A.L. pitching staff with names like Felix Hernandez, David Price, CC Sabathia, Justin Verlander and Jered Weaver, it's easy for a first time All-Star like Sale to get lost in a sea of stars. If Sale sees time on the mound, it will likely come in relief, a position the reliever-turned-starter is all too familiar with. Don't be surprised to see Sale brought in to face lefty Joey Votto, or to force some of the NL starting lineup's four switch hitters to bat from the right side.

Mark Trumbo, 1B/3B/OF

This season Trumbo showed dramatic improvement from last year's rookie campaign that saw him finish second in AL ROY voting. His versatility—he is able to play 1B, 3B and OF—makes him an asset to the A.L. squad. With 21 home runs before the break, Trumbo, along with Adam Dunn and Adam Jones, are the lone pinch hitting home run threats on an otherwise power-less A.L. bench. If the A.L. is in need of a big hit, Trumbo should get a chance to shine in his first All-Star Game.

National League

Andrew McCutchen, OF

McCutchen may have some of the best first half numbers of anybody on either team's bench. His .360/.413/.610 stat-line should be enough to land a starting spot any year, but the N.L.'s outfield is unbelievably deep, with stars like Ryan Braun and Carlos Gonzalez also being relegated to the reserves. McCutchen will likely come enter as a mid-game substitution, don't be surprised to see him pick up right where he left off in the first half.

Aroldis Chapman, P

Chapman is every All-Star team manager's dream player; a hard-throwing, consistently dominant southpaw reliever that can come in to shut down the opponent's big lefty bats. The A.L. starting lineup features five left-handed hitters: Prince Fielder, Robinson Cano, Josh Hamilton, Curtis Granderson, and David Ortiz. Comparatively, the A.L. bench only has two lefty bats, so Chapman may be used earlier than his usual 8th/9th inning spot to create the desirable lefty/lefty matchups.