2013 All-Star Game: Reserves Who Will Impress the Most in New York City

There are plenty of All-Stars who can come off the bench and be the hero in Gotham City.

The list of recent All-Star Game MVP winners isn't exactly a who's who of the best players in the game. Michael Young, J.D. Drew, Brian McCann, Melky Cabrera and Garret Anderson are some of the more improbable winners of the last 10 years. While some of those players did start the game, the likelihood of them winning MVP was pretty low.

Both leagues have plenty of reserves who have the opportunity to improve their reputations in a big way at the 2013 All-Star Game. Of those reserves, these four players will definitely deserve the most attention.

Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals

Playing in Kansas City has done nothing to help Alex Gordon's reputation. He's become one of the best outfielders in the American League and people need to start paying attention.

Just ask Grantland's Rany Jazayerli.

Gordon is sporting a .292 average with eight home runs and 46 runs batted in. When you throw that in with his defense, you've got the total package.

Gordon's defense is often undervalued and there are few outfielders with a better arm. It's amazing that runners still haven't learned not to test him. It's a battle they'll lose nine times out of 10.

This is an achievement long overdue for Gordon, and he should make the most of it.

Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Many fans were calling for Evan Longoria, Josh Donaldson and Adrian Beltre to make the AL team. There's no way they should get in ahead of Manny Machado—the 21-year-old will demonstrate exactly why during the All-Star Game.

Machado is a fantastic defender and has the chance to become one of the best defensive third basemen of his generation. It's hard for fans to comprehend a player's defensive ability unless they see it live in action.

This year's All-Star Game can be a great place for for Machado to grow his fanbase. One of the lasting images of Torii Hunter's career will be him robbing Barry Bonds of a home run at the 2002 All-Star Game.

As only one of two third basemen on the AL roster, Machado has a great chance to make a couple of great plays which will have fans' jaws on the floor.

Michael Cuddyer, Colorado Rockies

Do you remember Michael Young at the 2006 All-Star Game? He got a triple in the ninth inning and ended up winning MVP.

Michael Cuddyer could very well do something similar.

He's third in the majors with an outstanding .340 batting average. His success goes beyond just playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field, as well.

Cuddyer has hit a pretty solid .323 on the road, while six of his 15 home runs and 25 of his 52 RBI have come away from home as well.

When Bruce Bochy needs a key hit late, Cuddyer would be a great option off the bench. And with one swing of the bat, he can change the game in a big way.

Jean Segura, Milwaukee Brewers

Jean Segura is also another hitter who could come off the bench and provide some vital offense.

He's ninth in the majors in batting average, at .320, and fourth in stolen bases, with 26.

Baseball isn't always about hitting the ball over the fence. Sometimes you need a guy to get on base and move himself into scoring position.

That's exactly what Segura can do. Late in the game, he can get a key hit and then steal a base.

Some fans might be bemoaning the exclusion of Ian Desmond but Segura was a much better choice. He will demonstrate exactly why during the All-Star Game.