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When the Detroit Tigers announced that they would be bringing back veteran Alex Avila to fill the backup catcher role for the coming season, fan response was... varied. Some people were elated by the return of a familiar face, while others had decidedly terser words for the signing. The deal was a relative bargain at $2 million, but that hasn’t kept people from sounding off about the decision.
Great to see the worst catcher in baseball back on the Tigers. #nepotism Why is Alex Avila worth $2 million? He will get hurt in 2017.
— Darron Markwood (@darronm) December 24, 2016
So, the tigers signed Alex Avila again. This is the kind of Christmas present you get when your dad is a GM.
— Simeon Spaulding (@simecat9) December 24, 2016
And the #tigers sign...Alex Avila to a one year contract #seriously #wtf pic.twitter.com/94OwWsPXPz
— Brian Ledl (@BLedl) December 24, 2016
The Tigers resigning Alex Avila may have just ruined my Christmas
— Luc Bergeron (@luc1bergeron) December 24, 2016
Alex Avila is back with Detroit, I'm done pic.twitter.com/KOGlGLDrzS
— Matthew (@matthewelkins1) December 24, 2016
Alex Avila going from Detroit to Chicago to Detroit... pic.twitter.com/7slpu7pm6i
— ᏣᏌᏝᏓ (@APBTpbr) December 23, 2016
I can’t honestly decide if this guy is excited, or just really likes hating on Avila.
Alex Avila back to the tigers??? Heck yes. Let the hating resume
— Dan Koller (@dkoller18) December 24, 2016
At least he’s enthusiastic.
Others are thrilled by the reunion.
ALEX AVILA IS BACK BABYYYT
— Heidita ♡⚾ (@MyLifeAsHeidi) December 24, 2016
Alex Avila! #WorldSeriesHereWeCome
— Alec Petrelak (@APetrelak) December 23, 2016
Alex Avila coming back to Detroit like pic.twitter.com/feFoPGRsf3
— John A. Marlatt (@ChubbyRainmaker) December 23, 2016
a true Christmas miracle to remember Alex Avila is back with us this season. a real blessing.
— Allison ☃ (@booksandbalks) December 24, 2016
Catching depth on the bench: the true meaning of Christmas.
Avila had his own reactions to the signing. Of his reunion with friend and long-time teammate Justin Verlander, Avila said, “Now that I'm back, he doesn't have to worry about me hitting any more home runs off him.”
Welcome back, Alex!