2012 All-Star Game: Power Ranking AL Favorites for MVP

After losing the past two All-Star games, the American League is going to get back to their winning ways, and when they do, the following guys have the best chance to walk away as the MVP. 

Prior to the two consecutive losses, the AL had gone 13 straight All-Star contests without coming up on the losing end. With the roster they have this year, they will start a new streak. 

It is very rare that a pitcher ever wins the MVP, so you will find only position players on this list. 

No. 1: Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees

Cano attempted to defend his home run derby title on Monday night, but he didn't hit a single one out, and the Kansas City fans booed him the whole way. In other words, it was not likely to be an experience Cano looks back on fondly.

He is going to be supremely focused to grab a little redemption in the game, and he has the talent to do so. Cano enters the game with .579 slugging percentage and a .374 on-base percentage. This makes him an excellent candidate to drive in and score runs, and that is the fast track to an MVP. 

No. 2: Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers

Hamilton enters this game in midst of a slump. For the month of July he is just 4-for-23 from the plate. However, he only has two strikeouts, so it's not like he is totally out of whack.

Hamilton has a great chance at this award because he is always a threat to go yard, and that will fill up the stat line in a hurry. 

He enters this game tied for the major league lead in home runs with 27, and while he only has four hits this month, two of them were HRs. 

No. 3: Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees

Jeter is in a unique position in this game. He won the All-Star MVP in 2000. Now he has a legitimate shot to win another 12 years later. 

Jeter is having a solid season, and he enters this game on a nice streak. Jeter is hitting .378 for the month of July. He also has the uncanny knack of performing on the big stages. 

If he can get a few people on base during his at-bats, he will pick up some sexy RBI, and let's face it, if there are several people in close race for MVP and Jeter is one of them, he is going to get the nod.