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Rays fans are upset about Mikie Mahtook’s departure

If nothing else, the Tigers’ new center fielder was well-liked in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Rays v Chicago White Sox Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images

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.

Others warn the Tigers not to expect much from Mahook as a center fielder.

While some simply shared fond wishes for the departing outfielder.

Meanwhile in Detroit, writers are just on a mission to spell ‘Mikie’ right.