Triple-A All-Star Game 2012: 10 Players Who'll Be in the Majors Soon

The International and Pacific Coast League’s top players will be showcased in 2012 Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 11th. Although the caliber of prospects pales in comparison to the Futures Game or even other levels' All-Star games, there are numerous players on each roster who will reach the major leagues this season.

While prospects like Wil Myers will inevitably make an immediate impact, there are others who have flown under the radar for years and should be rewarded with a big league promotion.

Here are 10 prospects who could reach the majors this season, making the Triple-A All-Star Game that much more intriguing.

Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

.290/.350/.492, 37 XBH (12 3B), 52 RBI, 18 SB (12 CS), 74 K/23 BB (84 G)

Following on a huge season at Double-A in 2011, Marte has turned the corner after a slow start in 2012. After batting .276 in April and .236 in May, the right-handed hitter batted .325 with 15 extra-base hits in June.

He continues to strike out too much, and his base-stealing skills are unrefined. Despite that, he should still receive a call-up later this season.

Tyler Cloyd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

8-1, 89.2 IP, 2.01 ERA, .208 BAA, 60 K/20 BB (14 GS)

Tonight’s starting pitcher for the International League, the 6’3” right-hander has been one of the level’s top pitchers since an early-season promotion from Double-A. Cloyd doesn’t have exceptional stuff, but he commands all his pitches and mixes them well.

If the Phillies ultimately trade Cole Hamels or need someone to fill in later this season, Cloyd should be the guy next in line for a big league start.

Jake Elmore, 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks

.382/.465/.518, 81 R, 33 XBH (25 2B), 61 RBI, 25 SB, 32 K/49 BB (79 G)

It’s hard to find a player who is having a more consistent season than Elmore, who you probably won’t find on any Diamondbacks’ prospect list. Although he lacks power, he’s good for plenty of doubles and stolen bases and profiles as a No. 2-type hitter.

Unfortunately, his path to the big leagues remains blocked by Aaron Hill. But he’s the type of player that may draw interest at the trade deadline as a reserve infielder.

Adeiny Hechavarria, SS, Toronto Blue Jays

.317/.367/.449, 30 XBH (19 2B), 58 RBI, 70 K/30 BB

Although Hechavarria does square the ball up with some consistency, his plate discipline is still rather raw and has therefore led to too many strikeouts. He doesn’t have much left to prove at Triple-A, but at the same time, I don’t foresee the Blue Jays playing him over Yunel Escobar during the final month of the season.

Still, he should receive a call-up and see some playing time in September.

Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs

.302/.356/.509, 39 XBH (13 HR), 48 RBI, 52 K/23 BB (87 G)

After essentially falling off the Cubs’ prospect map, Vitters is enjoying a resurgent season and may be back in line for a late-season call-up. He’s cheating himself less at the plate this season and driving the ball for extra bases with more consistency.

With only Luis Valbuena in his way at third base, I expect Vitters will receive a September call-up.

Ryan Wheeler, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

.356/.396/.581, 43 XBH (14 HR), 88 RBI, 63 K/25 BB (85 G)

One of the top run-producers in all of the minors this season, Wheeler has driven in a remarkable 88 runs in only 85 games and owns a 1.104 OPS with runners in scoring position.

The Diamondbacks have received minimal production from the hot corner this season—.225/.277/.353 to be exact—so his promotion is overdue.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

.327/.403/.676, 52 XBH (27 HR), 72 RBI, 85 K/40 BB (83 G)

Myers has been absolutely raking this season, making up for lost time after an injury-plagued 2011 campaign. He’s hitting everything in sight for both average and power, and his plate discipline has improved over the course of the season.

Myers is as close as any prospect to a call-up and should make an immediate impact upon his arrival.

Heath Hembree, RHP, San Francisco Giants

1-1, 13 SV, 31 IP, 5.52 ERA, .217 BAA, 26 K/15 BB (32 G)

Although Hembree has been lights-out at times this season for Fresno, he’s had some ugly outings, too. The hard-throwing right-hander works up in the zone with his mid-90s fastball, using his plus slider as an out pitch.

When he’s promoted later this season, he’ll have to prove capable of working down in the zone if he wants a spot in the Giants’ 2013 bullpen.

Corey Brown, OF, Washington Nationals

.296/.382/.561, 42 XBH (20 HR), 52 RBI, 11 SB, 84 K/45 BB (84 G)

Although Brown is the only player on this list to reach the major leagues, he’s yet to receive a genuine opportunity. Between 2010 and 2011, the slugger received six at-bats, collecting one RBI and fanning four times.

The Nationals outfield is currently at capacity, but if there’s an injury or the need to rest players down the stretch, Brown should be recalled.

Ryan Verdugo, LHP, Kansas City Royals

6-2, 87 IP, 3.62 ERA, .217 BAA, 70 K/43 BB (17 G; 15 GS)

After working out of the bullpen for most of his minor league career in the Giants' system, Verdugo converted to the rotation in 2011. In his second full-time season as a starter, has made serious strides. He misses lots of bats and has deceptive stuff, but he still tends to walk too many batters.

Given the struggles of other Royals starters in the upper-minors, Verdugo could surprise people with a few starts later this season.