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Mauer uses strobe glasses to enhance hitting

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Joe Mauer's newest method for improving his at-bats is earning praise in the Minnesota Twins' clubhouse.

The first baseman, who's off to a hot start in 2016 (.333/.467/.467 in 17 games), began using strobe glasses in spring training to help him focus on pitches on their way to the plate.

"It makes it a lot tougher visually for you to see the ball because you only get pictures of it," Mauer told Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press. "The strobes can go faster or slower. We only do it off the tee or flips - short toss. When you take them off, it seems to slow it down actually so you can focus in on the ball."

Mauer, a former MVP and six-time All-Star, struggled offensively in the previous two seasons after suffering severe concussions as a catcher, leading the Twins to convert him to their everyday first baseman.

With clear improvements to his numbers this season, his coaches are on board with the innovative measure.

"I saw the effects of what Joe was doing and what it did for me and what I felt,” Twins hitting coach Tom Brunansky said. "In an instant, it came to me as far as how it made you keep your head still. The instant application was, 'OK, anybody that we're working on when their head is moving a little bit, perfect.' It makes you keep your head still and keep your head back."

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