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This offseason has moved about as fast as Prince Fielder rounding third base, and yielded results of roughly the same quality. So, when the Detroit Tigers acquired Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Mikie Mahtook for cash or a player to be named later, there was sure to be some response. Tigers fans didn’t know much about the new arrival — how do you even pronounce “Mikie?” — only that he was likely a platoon option for the center field vacancy, and that Detroit designated Anthony Gose for assignment as a result. While Mahtook doesn’t project to be a real game-changer in center field, he appears to be an upgrade. Overall, the Detroit reaction was largely positive.
In Tampa, however, the Rays fans who had been given an opportunity to get to know Mahtook voiced their feelings about his exit via social media.
Some fans were upset, as is often the case in situations like these.
Dang it I liked Mahtook https://t.co/MW7EE16FI9
— Brian O'Neill (@brianoneill5258) January 18, 2017
I've been a fan of Mikie Mahtook since he was at LSU, got hyped af when the Rays drafted him, and here he is being sent off to Detroit.
— Bucs 9-7 (@xotwodSATCH) January 19, 2017
@RaysBaseball @tigers They couldn't trade Souza? Mahtook never got a legitimate chance. He was a much better player than Souza. WTF Rays!!
— Nicksterot65 (@Nicksterot65) January 19, 2017
I'm a little salty that the #Rays traded Mahtook but I'll get over it
— Hannah ❤⚾ (@RaysGoddess) January 18, 2017
Sick off these awful trades. Mahtook was only going to get better, much rather have Souza been traded.
— Conor Wyatt (@conorlewiswyatt) January 19, 2017
About 2 years ago I thought Mahtook could be an everyday guy for us....now he's traded for $ and a PTBNL #Rays #Tigers
— Andrew (@A_Katzman83) January 19, 2017
I hope Mikie Mahtook has a ton of success with Detroit, but it was hard to see him having a role in TB this year. No options makes it tough.
— Sandy Kazmir (@SandyKazmir) January 18, 2017
Others warn the Tigers not to expect much from Mahook as a center fielder.
@mlbtraderumors lol Tigers are fucked if they want Mahtook as a CF. Dude if a solid LF nothing else
— gabriel rivera (@ha_gaaabe) January 19, 2017
While some simply shared fond wishes for the departing outfielder.
Certainly wish Mikie Mahtook the best of success with Detroit. He's a terrific individual committed to helping in the community.
— Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) January 18, 2017
@TBTimes_Rays Liked Mahtook. If he's able to stay injury free, he should have a career in the bigs. Good luck #MikieMahtook #RaysUp
— dwalt@lvbgblls (@_dwalt) January 19, 2017
Congrats Mikie! Time to get to work in Detroit. @MikieMahtook8
— Gregory Mahtook (@GregoryMahtook) January 18, 2017
I liked Mahtook. But it felt inevitable with Rasmus & Smith joining an already crowded outfield. Hope he goes well in Detroit #raysup https://t.co/6Y9dK1TlQc
— Marc J (@Johnsonator85) January 18, 2017
Meanwhile in Detroit, writers are just on a mission to spell ‘Mikie’ right.
Sorry, I've misspelled his name 5 times since the trade: MIKIE Mahtook.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) January 19, 2017