Twins Star Mauer Underperforming At New Position

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins have yet to reap any rewards from his switch to first base.

Mauer reluctantly gave up his job as the catcher to better protect himself from another concussion, after missing the final six weeks of last season following a foul tip that hit him in the head.

The loss of Mauer's intelligence and defense behind the plate was supposed to be trumped by an increase in his availability and production at a less-taxing position. But Mauer entered the weekend with a .275 batting average, 46 points below his career mark that's the best among all active players in the majors with a qualifying amount of plate appearances.

Mauer says his slump has been frustrating but that he feels like he's swinging well.