Mauer like 'old self' with resurgence at plate

Joe Mauer hits an opposite-field single to left and drives in the first Twins' run of the game in the 4th inningMINNEAPOLIS -- Twins hitting coach Tom Brunansky has a simple explanation for Joe Mauer's resurgence offensively this year.

Mauer, in his 13th season, looks more like the six-time All-Star than the hitter who batted a combined .270/.348/.376 over the previous two years since his season-ending concussion in 2013. He is batting .301/.424/.398 this season with 24 walks compared to 17 strikeouts in 139 plate appearances. Brunansky says it all starts with improved mechanics and better vision.

"I think the old self is a pretty good analogy," Brunansky said. "I think what you've seen is a…