Predicting 5 Dark Horse Stars of 2013 MLB All-Star Week

On Sunday, Major League Baseball will ascend on Citi Field and New York City for 2013 All-Star Week, signalling a showcase of stars of tomorrow (Futures Game) to sluggers of today (Home Run Derby) to the game's best all-around talents (All-Star Game).

Heading into the festivities, the names Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano and David Ortiz are household names, not poised to surprise anyone with heroics or accolades during the showcase.

As the rosters continue to expand, so does the opportunity for stars to emerge for the mainstream audience.

While MLB.tv, MLB Network and outlets such as Bleacher Report MLB have given baseball fans the opportunity to grow and become more knowledgeable fans over the years, some All-Star representatives still aren't known by the casual baseball observer.

Over the next week, here are five that can change the discussion with big performances in New York.

1. Pedro Alvarez, Home Run Derby

Originally, NL Home Run Derby Captain David Wright did not include Alvarez on his four-man squad for Monday evening's power showcase. Yesterday, that changed upon Carlos Gonzalez's removal from the competition.

For baseball fans, especially those outside of Pittsburgh, it's about time to learn of the power of Pedro Alvarez.

Always a free-swinger, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 draft has made enough contact to blast 23 home runs before the final weekend of baseball's first half.

In a Home Run Derby setting, expect the Pirates third baseman to put on a show, challenging Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles for the crown of champion on Monday night.

2. Carlos Gomez, Game-Saving Catch

Gomez, a former Mets prospect, has blossomed into one of baseball's best all-around talents, posting excellent power and defensive numbers for the Milwaukee Brewers.

As he arrives back in New York as an All-Star, he brings the capability of highlight reel catches and game-changing ability in center field.

If there's a star capable of making a game-saving defensive play that becomes the lasting memory of the 2013 All-Star Game, it's Gomez.

When he enters the game around the 4th or 5th inning Tuesday night, pay close attention to any deep fly ball between left-center and right-center field.

If there's a chance it stays in the park, Gomez is likely to make it happen, with a flair for the dramatic.

3. Matt Carpenter, Game-Changing Hit

In St. Louis and around the world of fantasy baseball, fans know of the excellence of Matt Carpenter. By the end of play on Tuesday night, the rest of the casual baseball world will as well.

One of the sport's most underrated and versatile stars, Carpenter enters the weekend leading the National League in doubles, run scored and sporting a .390 on-base percentage. By FanGraphs' wins above replacement metric, he's been worth 4.2 wins to the St. Louis cause before the All-Star break.

In a division that might have three 90-plus win teams separated by a few games, the seven or so wins that Carpenter is likely to add to the St. Louis ledger could be the difference between a division championship, wild card berth or missing the postseason entirely.

Due to his status as a reserve behind Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips, Carpenter will have the chance to impact the game with his bat in the later innings.

Don't be shocked if he laces a double into the right field corner to put the NL up in a tight game.

4. Steve Delabar, Strikeout Artist

Due to the magic of the Final Vote, Steve Delabar is an All-Star for the first time in his career. The reward for his stellar work (41.1 IP, 1.74 ERA) out of the Toronto bullpen is a spot in the American League bullpen, setting up for the great Mariano Rivera.

While the AL Final Vote field wasn't stocked with anything but relief pitchers, Delabar probably deserved the honor due to his insane strikeout ability in 2013.

If anyone in the American League bullpen is capable of a 1-2-3 inning with three strikeouts, it's the guy who has the best strikeout rate (12.4 K/9) of anyone in the league with at least 40 IP.

5. Citi Field, Electric Venue

Outside of Johan Santana's 2012 no-hitter, Citi Field hasn't had many electric moments in its short history.

Starting with the All-Star fan fest and leading up to the All-Star Game itself, the folks at Citi Field are preparing to put their venue on the map as a spot for baseball's All-Star Game to look to return to shortly.

If, and likely when, Mets right-handed ace Matt Harvey receives the nod to start the game, pencil Citi Field in for one of the most electric first pitch moments in recent memory.

Realistically, few opening pitch moments could top Pedro Martinez's dazzling start to the 1999 game at Fenway Park, blowing away the National League hitters in front of his home crowd in Boston.

Yet Harvey can come close, buoyed by the Citi Field crowd.

If Harvey mows down Mike Trout, Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera, the venue will be as electric as almost any moment in Citi Field's tenure.

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