What is Wrong with Joe Mauer?

Joe Mauer has been terrible this season, both from an anecdotal and a statistical perspective. The anecdotes are many - he's taking way, way too many strikes, is finding himself behind in the count in most at-bats, and does not look aggressive at the plate, and his sweet swing no longer looks nearly so pretty.

From a statistical standpoint, consider:

• His current average of .267 is the worst of his ten-year career
• His current slugging is an anemic .340 - again, a career worst
• He's batting .171 with runners in scoring position
• He's already stuck out more than he did in the entire 2011 season, and is on pace for his worst season ever, by a long shot

Things have gotten so bad that Manager Gardenhire asked Mauer if he needed to sit out a game for a mental break. 

The move from catcher to everyday first baseman was supposed to be a boon to Mauer's offensive production.  Thus far, it looks more like a boondoggle.  

Something is wrong with Mauer.  It is now up to the team and the player to figure out what it is, and fix it.  Quickly.