2013 MLB All-Star Game MVP Odds for the Top 5 Candidates

When the stars of Major League Baseball take the field together on Tuesday night at Citi Field, one will shine above the rest, helping either the National or American League to home-field advantage in the 2013 World Series.

Deciphering which of the all-stars will take home the award can be a guessing game, but if the first half of the season is any indication, a handful of players enter the game red-hot and poised to continue their success in view of the entire country.

Here are the odds for the top five MVP candidates in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

1. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds: 5 Percent

Due to the pure hitting genius of Miguel Cabrera and outrageous power of Chris Davis, the plate discipline and offensive acumen of Joey Votto has been placed on baseball's back burner. Don't let that mask how great of a hitter he's been and continues to be for the Cincinnati Reds.

Since 2009, Votto has posted a 162 OPS-plus and has averaged 87 walks per season. He has also slugged 120 home runs.

When he steps up to the plate early in the game on Tuesday night, expect him to make the American League starter work and have a long, excellent at-bat.

If the National League rallies early, Votto will likely be involved, whether through a hit or walk. The on-base machine is a rally starter and finisher, despite his low 42 RBI.

With great hitters in every spot ahead of him in the lineup, RBI chances will be there for the Reds first baseman to take advantage of.

2. Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles: 5 Percent

With 37 home runs at the All-Star break, Chris Davis has vaulted himself into select company, joining Reggie Jackson, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds atop the list of most home runs ever at this juncture of the season.

Although Citi Field is a pitcher's park, Davis' power plays in any field, against any pitcher.

As baseball fans have witnessed thus far this season, pitching Davis away, far from the heart of the plate or inside near the typical left-handed hitter wheelhouse, is of little consequence. When the Orioles first baseman extends his arm, the power generated the other way is reminiscent of Jim Thome in his best days.

If Jim Leyland bats Davis in his customary fifth spot in the lineup, he'll come to bat after a top four of, say, Mike Trout, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz.

Although Matt Harvey, the likely NL starter, is excellent, seeing Davis come to bat with runners on won't be a surprise. For a hitter with over 90 RBI, he's likely to make it count, putting the AL ahead early.

3. Matt Harvey, New York Mets: 10 Percent

The idea of choosing a starting pitcher to win the All-Star Game MVP award may seem far-fetched, but if anyone is capable of lighting up the radar gun, electrifying the home crowd and making an impact in the early innings from the mound, it's Matt Harvey.

In the midst of a dominant campaign, the 24-year-old is capable of repeating Pedro Martinez's mastery in the early stages of the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park. That night, with the legendary Ted Williams in attendance, Martinez struck out Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Jeff Bagwell in succession to open the game.

At the time, that group looked to contain five future Hall of Famers. Of course, history changed the course, leaving Larkin as the only member actually enshrined right now.

Tuesday night, Harvey could blow fastballs past five current All-Stars, and maybe, four future Hall of Fame hitters in Mike Trout, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz.

In front of his home crowd, expect a show from Harvey.

4. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 15 Percent

Few players in the starting lineups on Tuesday night can impact the game in as many ways as Mike Trout.

With power, patience, speed and defense, the longer Trout stays in the outfield, the better chance the American League has to garner a victory and claim home-field advantage in the World Series.

Despite not yet generating another MVP debate against Miguel Cabrera in the American League, Trout has picked up where he left off in 2012, dazzling the Los Angeles fans with line drive after line drive and rare athleticism.

While he may soon become a middle-of-the-order threat in Los Angeles, expect to see Trout atop the American League order, maximizing his plate appearances before being replaced by reserves.

5. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals: 25 Percent

As the moniker of 'best young player in baseball' is passed back and forth between Mike Trout, Manny Machado and Matt Harvey, don't forget the star in Washington who is coming off of an injury and team struggles.

On the biggest stage, expect Harper to shine brightest and take home the MVP award.

With a .522 slugging percentage and .371 on-base mark, Harper can impact the National League lineup regardless of where and how manager Bruce Bochy deploys him on Tuesday night.

By the end of Harper's career, we could look back on the 2013 All-Star Game MVP as a blip on the radar screen of accomplishments.