All-Star Game Lineup 2012: Reserves Who Will Make Huge Impacts

Unlike other games, the All-Star Game is an equal opportunity contest. 

While the players starting the Midsummer Classic will certainly get the deserved attention and notoriety, everyone on the bench—at least close to everyone—will get their chance to shine.

Just look at the past MVPs of the famous game: Prince Fielder, Brian McCann, Carl Crawford, J.D. Drew and Ichiro Suzuki. 

Of those lucky five men, only two—Fielder and Ichiro—were actually starters. 

With that being said, let's take a look at potential MVP candidates who will come off the bench. 

Note: For a complete look at the All-Star roster, click here. For a look at the starting lineup and batting order, click here. 

Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trout's rise to stardom has been, in a word, fast. I can't think of a better way for the 20-year-old to cap off an amazing first half of 2012 than with an All-Star MVP award. 

It's not like the young kid doesn't deserve to be here, either. Trout is hitting .341, slugging .562, has 26 stolen bases and has played gold-glove caliber defense in center field. 

He's young enough to dismiss the pressure of being in this huge game, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him make some plays in the field and on the basepaths. 

David Wright, 3B, New York Mets

If there is anyone who should be more peeved than David Wright about not being selected as a starter, I don't know who it is. 

Wright—despite hitting .351 with a .441 on-base percentage and 1.004 OPS to go along with 11 home runs, 59 RBI and more walks than strikeouts—was robbed of a starting spot. 

What better motivation is there? I expect Wright to come out swinging for the fences, looking to prove the non-voters wrong. 

Billy Butler, DH, Kansas City Royals

There's no greater story than the hometown boy winning the MVP. 

Royals fans were unsurprisingly upset when Butler wasn't picked for the Home Run Derby, and "The But"—who is slugging .487 with 16 home runs—has plenty of pop to back up those concerns.

He'll have the crowd behind him, and that can't be overstated. 

Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds

More often than not, if you are going to win the MVP coming off the bench, you are going to need to hit a home run. 

While the other players on this list certainly possess that type of power, none of them match Bruce in that department. 

The talented 25-year-old has knocked 18 balls out of the park on his way to an impressive .505 slugging percentage this year. He probably should have been picked over Andrew McCutchen in the Home Run Derby, and don't be shocked if he proves that on Tuesday night. 

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