Excellent article, really sums up how this whole team has improved, not just a few guys. I've been especially impressed with Joe Mauer's gradual climb back to the level of superstar. After the concussions and other physical problems, who among us predicted that Mauer would be anything more than an average player in 2017? Not me, that's for sure. Yet he quickly established himself as a top fielding first baseman, and then got even better. We carped about how often he hit two-hoppers to second, how his bat seemed a little late on too many pitches. Then around mid-season, Mauer's bat started to come around. He started squaring up more balls, driving them hard to left, to center, and even pulling some balls with authority. Last night's absolutely tattooed grand salami was not a fluke. It was a culminating statement from a former superstar catcher. He is now rising to superstar status as a first baseman. He now can bash pitches in all directions, and his defense is at the very highest level for that position. He has his eye back, his swing is back, and he appears to be pulling balls to right field with more power. Best of all, knowing Joe Mauer's history, there is no reason to think that he will suddenly develop some odd flaw in his swing. His approach at the plate has been incredibly consistent throughout his career. Joe Mauer is back.