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Joe Mauer cites concussion symptoms for blurred vision at plate

Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer says that concussion symptoms are the reason behind his recent problems with blurred vision.
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Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer says that concussion symptoms are the reason behind his move to first base and why he suffered from blurred vision behind the plate in 2013, he tells the Twin Cities Pioneer–Press.

“I don't want that to be kind of an excuse. If I'm out there, I'm out there. That's just the way I am,” Mauer said. “There are times I've gone up to the plate and I just couldn't pick up the ball. That's part of the frustration because I'm trying to do everything I can to get back. It just takes time.”

“It could be a lot of things,” Mauer added. “There are so many different symptoms. For me it was lighting, I couldn’t really pick up the ball. It was blurry at times. Where I am here versus last year at this time, I can tell my workouts are better.”

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Mauer took a 91 mile per hour fastball from Anthony Swarzak to the helmet in August 2013. He has not played catcher in the last two seasons.

The 2009 Most Valuable Player has been experimenting at the plate with sunglasses to try tracking pitches better. Mauer says that sunlight tends to bother his vision. Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 21.

Mauer was a career .323 through the 2013 season. In 2010, He signed an eight-year contract worth $184 million that runs through 2018.

Most recently, he hit. 265 with 10 home runs and 66 RBIs in 158 games last year while also striking out a career-high 112 times.