"Twins fans looking for a reason to feel good about 2012 should consider this: At this time last year, Joe Mauer was doing nothing but rehab on his surgically repaired left knee. This year, he has started baseball activity in preparation for spring training.

Mauer said Saturday he is hitting off a tee and throwing as he prepares for Feb. 18, the day pitchers and catchers are due to report to Fort Myers, Fla.

"This point last year, for me it's been night and day physically, how I feel," Mauer said Saturday at TwinsFest at the Metrodome. "I really was just kind of doing rehab stuff with the knee. I don't think I grabbed a bat until I don't even know, later. I feel good. I'm excited to get out there on the field and move around. Things are a lot better for me physically than they were last year." "