Category Archives: Cf

Galapagos doses first healthy volunteer with CF combo GLPG2222 and GLPG2451 P&T Community Triple combinations of CF compounds in the portfolio have consistently shown restoration of healthy activity levels in in vitro assays with human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells of patients with the F508del mutation. These combinations result in an ... and more »

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Galapagos doses first healthy volunteer with CF combo GLPG2222 and GLPG2451 - P&T Community

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) today announced that the company will present at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Agriculture and Chemicals Conference 2017.

Investors who wish to access the live conference webcast should visit the Investor Relations section of the companys website at http://www.cfindustries.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the CF Industries Holdings, Inc. website until May 30, 2017.

About CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

CF Industries Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, through its subsidiaries is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of nitrogen products, serving both agricultural and industrial customers. CF Industries operates world-class nitrogen manufacturing complexes in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, and distributes plant nutrients through a system of terminals, warehouses, and associated transportation equipment located primarily in the Midwestern United States. The company also owns a 50 percent interest in an ammonia facility in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. CF Industries routinely posts investor announcements and additional information on the companys website atwww.cfindustries.comand encourages those interested in the company to check there frequently.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222006638/en/

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CF Industries Holdings, Inc. to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conference - Yahoo Finance

StockNewsJournal

Just the Facts on CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) StockNewsJournal CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) is an interesting player in the Basic Materials space, with a focus on Agricultural Chemicals. The stock has been active on the tape, currently trading at $33.22, down from yesterday's close by -2.09%. Given the stock ... EPS Projection Of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) At $0.39Markets Daily The Tahithromos LLC Acquires 93929 Shares of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF)DailyQuint CF Industries Holdings Inc. - Receive News & Ratings DailyBBNS Post Analyst all 7 news articles »

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Just the Facts on CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) - StockNewsJournal

103-acre farm, valued at $2.9M plus, will help students in Equine Studies and Agribusiness programs

The College of Central Florida Foundation announced Tuesday that it has received the largest gift in its 58-year history: a 103-acre farm on County Road 475 that is valued at more than $2.9 million.

The farm will soon provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in the colleges Equine Studies and Agribusiness programs, CF said in a news release.

Though he is not named in the release, the donor is Richard E. Sherman of Ocala. He transferred the deed to the foundation on Dec. 28. One day before that the Diamondback Cattle Company, of which Sherman is the sole managing member and administrator, transferred the land to Sherman, according to land records on file with the court clerks office.

The news release identified the donor only as a longtime Marion County supporter of education and agriculture.

The farm address is 4020 SE Third Ave., Ocala. Its better known as the farm on CR 475 just north of Grace Episcopal School.

The CF Foundation was created in 1959 as the Central Florida Junior College Endowment Corp. The name has changed through the years but the mission has remained consistent: "to solicit and secure restricted and unrestricted resources to support the college in providing educational services to Citrus, Levy and Marion counties," the foundation wrote in an email.

Until now, the foundation's largest gift was $2.5 million from the estate of Jack Wilkinson. The money was designated for CF's new Levy campus, which is under construction and scheduled to open in August, the foundation said.

The foundation raised $1.16 million during 2015, the latest year for which full statistics are available. That does not include the farm, which will be counted in the 2016 tally.

"The foundation has over 400 scholarships, with 363 of them endowed, to aid our students in their education journey. In 2016 we added 14 new scholarships and one endowed chair," foundation Executive Director Chris Knife wrote in an email. (The foundation also helps find equipment and capital resources to enhance existing CF programs.)

The Equine Studies program has approximately 100 students and there are 50 in Agribusiness. Both are Associate in Science degree programs, though "the Agribusiness program also has a specialization in the Bachelor of Applied Science degree," the foundation said.

"This year the college celebrates 60 years of providing education and workforce training in our community, and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our past accomplishments than to look to the future," CF President Jim Henningsen said in the news release.

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CF Foundation lands big gift - Ocala

Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Brandon Guyer is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians: Non-Roster Invitees Who Can Make The Team by Joe Russo

Cavs Trade Rumors: Cavs Talked Trades, But Let Exceptions Expire by Nick Dudukovich

Brandon Guyer will spend some time in Spring Training patrolling center field, according to Cleveland.coms Zack Meisel.

He has primarily covered the corner outfield spots during his career, though he has appeared in 52 games in center over the last three years. I love it. I played there a little in Tampa, Guyer told Meisel. For me, I feel like thats where you get the truest routes, the truest read off the bat. I love it out there.

If fans learned anything from watching the 2016 Indians outfield, its that versatility matters. Michael Brantley could never answer the bell last season. His absence left a void at the plate, but also good defense in left and center fields. His health is still a concern this Spring.

The Indians got as a creative as they could to fill the void. Rajai Davis played mostly left and center, and even a game in right. Marlon Byrd manned the corner outfield spots before getting popped for PEDs,. When Abraham Almonte returned from his suspension, he helped fill the void left by Davis.

Tyler Naquin made the team as a rookie out of Spring Training. He was optioned to Columbus twice May, but stayed for good after Byrd departed.

Naquin played 105 regular season games in center, in addition to four in right. Jose Ramirez played some left. Carlos Santana started a World Series game there. In right field, Lonnie Chisenhall appears to have found his big-league niche. The Indians acquired Guyer before last seasons trade deadline. Together, they form a pretty good platoon.

The Tribe also has prospect Yandy Diaz, who has hit over .300 at every professional level hes played at. He played third base and left field for Class AAA Columbus last season, but has spent time in left and center with his Winter Ball team.

Naquin, Chisenhall and Guyer are back in the fold. Ramirez is also an option, but he seems destined to stay at third. The Tribe signed switch hitter Austin Jackson, while Almonteanother switch hitteris also back in camp.

Will you see a lot of Guyer in center? If all goes right, no. Its Naquins job to lose when righties are on the hill. Jackson may be a good partner to help out again lefties, but hes still troubled by a knee injury and is still limited by what he can do in camp. Almonte could also help Naquin split duties.

If things are going right for the Indians and Guyer, hell be starting in right against lefties.He hit .336 (1.021 OPS) off southpaws last season.

Still, the point is you can never be flexible enough, and since Guyer did play some CF for Tampa, it makes sense to give him some time there this spring.

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Cleveland Indians: Brandon Guyer To See Time In CF - Factory Of Sadness

Oct 31, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) celebrates with teammates Alcides Escobar (2) and Alex Gordon (4) after scoring a run against the New York Mets in the 8th inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals Enter Spring Training As Underdogs by John Viril

One of the more curious stories to come out of the first week of spring training in Surprise, Arizona was the news that the Kansas City Royals would allow left field defensive zen master Alex Gordonto log some time in center field. According to Yost, Gordon had asked about the possibility for years and he chose this season to give it a whirlpresumably out of an impish desire to develop his clubs versatility.

Dont let Yosts casual characterization fool you. Hes indulging in the age-old baseball wisdom that the man in charge must ALWAYS pretend nothing could possibly be wrong. Hes not at all worried.

Oh no.

Its just an experiment. It means nothing.

Yeah, right.

You experiment with a players versatility when theyre young and you still havent explored their full skill set. You generally dont do it with 33-year-old four-time Gold Glove winners at left field unless you have a good reason. That good reason is most likely concerns about Lorenzo Cains ability to stay in the lineup while patrolling center field.

Last season, Lorenzo Cain played a mere 101 games. He missed most of July with a pulled hamstring. After he returned, Yost played Cain in right field and movedPaulo Orlando and Jarrod Dyson to center in order to reduce stress on Cains hamstring. Cain then missed all but one game in September due to a broken hand as the KC Royals fell out of the race.

With Cain in the lineup, the Kansas City Royals went 59-42. Without Lorenzo Cain in the lineup, KC fell to 21-39.

Clearly, being able to write Lorenzo Cains name on the lineup card most days is one key to the KC Royals success in 2017. Except this season, Yost cant just swap him with speedy right fielders Orlando and Dyson. General manager Dayton Moore traded Dyson to the Mariners for rotation candidate Nate Karns. Meanwhile, Paulo Orlando figures to become a reserve behind heavy hitting Jorge Soler (who isnt a candidate to play center).

What is Yost to do if Cain suffers a similar leg injury in 2017, and needs to play a corner outfield spot to stay in the lineup? THATS what the Alex Gordon in center experiment is all about. Yost wants to know if Gordons outstanding ability to read the ball off the bat and take good routes will allow him to play center. Then, Yost could put Cain in left and keep his best bats in the lineup. Or, better yet, move him to designated hitter and put Brandon Moss in an outfield corner.

As the old saw goes, actions speak louder than words. Ned Yost is concerned about 31-year-old Lorenzo Cains ability to avoid injury in center field. Hes using spring training to explore his options just in case Cains legs wear down.

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KC Royals: Alex Gordon CF Trial Suggests Worry About Lorenzo Cain - Kings of Kauffman

CF Ireland says damage is being done to children with cystic fibrosis by the failure to authorise Kalydeco for those aged two to five years

New evidence has emerged to support the case for approving the groundbreaking cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi, Minister for Health Simon Harris has been told.

Newly-published data shows Orkambi, by preventing a worsening of the condition of patients, will save the health system even more than was previously estimated, according to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

The percentage of cystic fibrosis patients that stands to benefit from the drug is among the highest in the world, the patient group says in a letter to Mr Harris.

With the HSE due to make a final decision shortly on whether to reimburse the cost of the drug, CF Ireland has warned the Minister of a strong outcry if no agreement is reached with the manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Orkambi was estimated to cost 159,000 per patient per year when price talks began last year but CF Ireland says it understands there has been a considerable discount on the original list price since then.

This would indicate that the gap between what the HSE is reported to be willing to pay is not insurmountable, and with goodwill from both sides an agreement can be reached.

The group says new data published in the 2015 report of the independent CF Registry of Ireland shows the high proportion of cystic fibrosis patients in Ireland who suffer pulmonary exacerbations or deteriorations in their condition.

In 2015, 41.1 per cent of adults and 27.2 per cent of children with cystic fibrosis experienced at least one exacerbation. The average time spent by all cystic fibrosis patients on antibiotics was 35.7 days that year.

The data shows 56 per cent of Irish people with the disease has the gene alteration that is targeted by Orkambi. This compares with 50 per cent in the UK and 46 per cent in the US. Ireland continues to have the highest overall incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world.

The average lifespan of cystic fibrosis patients has increased from 13.4 years in the late 1980s to 27 years in 2014 and 30 years in 2015. The use of new and innovative drugs played a major role in this improvement, the letter says, adding: The last thing we would need now would be the denial of new and proven drugs that would retard potential and more rapid development.

CF Ireland also says damage is being done to young children with cystic fibrosis by the failure to authorise another drug, Kalydeco, for use by those aged two to five years.

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CF group claims new data supports case for Orkambi approval - Irish Times

Castilla had finally gained a win in the last game against Fuenlabrada, miraculously putting them back into the playoff spots. This week, they travelled the short distance of 20 minutes from Valdebebas, to Rayo Majadahonda. Fede Valverde was back from injury along with Philipp Lienhart on the bench. Whilst Campuzano was interestingly left out of the squad, with Solari opting to rest him to avoid injury. With high-flying Campuzano away, finally Sergio Daz was finally going to get his chance back up top, right? Wrong. Solari started with a pretty standard 4-3-3, With Daz and Enzo out wide, partnering Nikos Vergos up top.

Castilla XI: Zidane, Achraf, Snchez, Hermoso, Quezada, Seoane, Febas, Muoz, Enzo(C), Vergos & Daz #RealMadridCastilla pic.twitter.com/w2S5NZco81

The game kicked off, and it was not enjoyable at all. Castilla weren't playing badly, and kept the ball well. Majadahonda did not look like punishing the defence much who were having a fine game. The problem was that nothing was really happening. There was no excitement at all. Javi Muoz was unable to run the game from midfield, Daz was predictably isolated out wide, and no one else looked like scoring a goal for Castilla. Achraf was the only bright spark in the first half, and was probably the best defensively, too! The best chance of the half fell to Daz, who missed an open goal from yards out due to a bobble. If he had any confidence in his striker-esque abilities, what must they be like now? The half dragged but luckily came to an end, and the score at the break was to nobody's shock, 0-0!

At half time it was Majadahonda making the changes, and the substitute hit the post with his first touches. Fede Valverde was brought on for his first game back, and immediately took control of the midfield. The game was still by no means fun to watch, as Tena replaced Muoz, and it seemed destined for a 0-0 draw. To try and avoid a draw, Solari brought in Cristian Cedrs for Enzo. Minutes later, a throw-in found it's was to Fede Valverde, who took a couple of touches before striking the ball goal-bound from distance. It whistled into the back of the net to put Castilla 1-0 up! A moment of brilliance to win an otherwise dull affair. The last 10 minutes were the best phase of the game, and both sides had chances. Luckily the Castilla defence held out for the win, pushing them up to third place in the league!

Man of the match went to Fede Valverde, for his short but sweet cameo, changing the game and in result handing Castilla the 3 points! It's great to see him back and Castilla have definitely missed him. Achraf also deserves a mention for a great game and Luca Zidane was strong in goal. Big game next week as Castilla host Toledo, who are desperate for a play off spot. Be sure to check it out here, and on my Twitter @CastillaStats for live coverage!

Goal: Valverde

Assist: -

MOTM: Valverde

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CF Rayo Majadahonda 0-1 Real Madrid Castilla - Managing Madrid

Gridshare is one of the newest Reg CF crowdfunding platforms to receive regulatory approval. While the number of Reg CF portals is growing, Gridshare is the first and only platform to target the specific vertical of renewable energy and Cleantech.

Originally launched as an accredited crowdfunding platform under Title II of the JOBS Act (Reg D 506(c)), GridShare wants to make investing in renewable energy projects accessible to a wider audience. Using Reg CF, any investor may help fund a solar or wind project typically alongside professional investors.

Founders Jack Jacobs and Jon Norling are leveraging their experience and contacts at Cleantech law partners to source promising deals and assure quality deal structure. They also intend to launch international offerings at some point in the near future.

GridShare has launched with several offerings includingEau Claire Solar, Floating Solar andGorge Windall three offering a debt investment under Reg CF.

Crowdfund Insider recently connected with Jacobs to better understand his vision for the future of GridShare and renewable energy crowdfunding. Our discussion is below.

Crowdfund Insider: Congratulations on receiving Reg CF approval. How long did the process take for you? And why did you decide to go with Reg CF?

Jack Jacobs: Thanks. Weve been refining the platform for a few years now, but the process for receiving approval from SEC and FINRA to operate as a Funding Portal was a 4-5 month process. We decided to focus on Reg CF in the United States because of the ability to reach ordinary, non-accredited investors using this exemption, which we believe offers issuers a relatively low-cost and easy method to access capital.

Crowdfund Insider:You previously launched as an accredited crowdfunding platform. Will you be doing side-by-side offers? (Reg D/Reg CF). Do you think the $1 million cap is sufficient for your issuers?

Jack Jacobs:At this point, we plan to focus on Reg CF offers in the United States and not plan to also offer Rule 506(c) or Regulation A+ Offerings.

Our affiliate, GridShare International, LLC, will be listing offerings in foreign jurisdictions that allow equity crowdfunding. With respect to the $1 million cap, we believe this is low, and support the $5 million cap proposed under the Fix Crowdfunding Act.

Because, however, most of the listings on GridSharesite will be project-specific offerings, and because issuers are typically combining the crowdfunding financing with other capital sources, such as tax equity investors or sponsor capital, we think the present cap of $1 million will allow us to continue to develop a robust deal pipeline.

Crowdfund Insider:Do you expect to see more debt offers on Gridshare?

Jack Jacobs:We absolutely do. The platform is really geared towards offerings of project-specific debt that is secured by assets. Also, because of the regulations related to tax credits and benefits for renewable energy, it is difficult to have crowd-based equity in the project companies. Therefore, secured debt financings will likely be the most common project-based offering on Gridshare. That being said, however, most issuers raising capital for venture Cleantech companies may seek to offer equity or debt that converts into equity.

Crowdfund Insider: How is deal flow? How are you sourcing issuers? And what types of Cleantech companies do you foresee listing on your platform?

Jack Jacobs:Deal flow is good! We have a ton of interest in the siteand are vetting numerous projects to determine which meet our rigorous listing standards.

Regarding sourcing, it has been a mix of organic (i.e., users posting their own projects) and us reaching our through our network to let people know about the capital raising opportunities on GridShare.

We expect to see a steady mix of project finance offerings and corporate offerings for clean technology companies.

Crowdfund Insider:Are there any tax exemptions issuers may take advantage of? What about for investors?

Jack Jacobs:While renewable energy and Cleantech companies are often eligible for tax benefits, GridShare was not designed as a site for tax-motivated investors. While our issuers structure their financings to maximize tax credits, at this point, the investors will receive monetary returns without additional tax benefits.

Crowdfund Insider: How did you decide to launch a platform for Clean Energy & CleanTech?

Jack Jacobs:We (myself and Jon Norling) are renewable energy develop and finance attorneys, and originally started the platform as a financing tool for our clients.

We started the platform soon after passage of the JOBS Act, when there was a need for lower cost of capital for renewable projects. By the time the SEC finally adopted the rules, however, lower cost capital was available to sponsors, but ordinary non-accredited investors were not able to participate in these investments. Thus, we decided to allow these ordinary investors to have access to the same type of project-finance investments available to institutional investors.

Crowdfund Insider: Any comments on how Reg CF could be improved for issuers? For investors?

Jack Jacobs:For issuers, it would be great if there was a broader array of entities able to serve as escrow agents for offerings, and if issuers could test the waters prior to committing to filing a Form C.

For investors, educating these folks is key to success of this market, and we hope the SEC and FINRA will continue their efforts to educate investors on what to look for when purchasing crowdfunded securities.

Crowdfund Insider: What are your expectations for platform growth for 2017?

Jack Jacobs:We anticipate steady growth in offerings and investments, and anticipate an increasing number of clean-technology offerings on the site. We expect that solar offerings will remain strong, but also hope to see other renewable technologies being listed as well.

Last, we think that our international division will grow significantly with the increasing interest in crowdfunding globally.

. Bookmark the

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GridShare Targets Renewable Energy Crowdfunding under Reg CF, Plans International Expansion - Crowdfund Insider

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Tigers outfielder Mikie Mahtook takes batting practice during spring training on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, DFP)Buy Photo

LAKELAND, Fla. Mikie Mahtook slid his wood bat abovehis locker in the Detroit Tigers clubhouse, into a small slot, barrel first, as if he were tucking away a family secret.

On the face of the barrel, near the end, the bat is engraved with the model number "54," the same number he scribbles on his cleats. It is a treasured number for his entire family, something thatappears almost daily, out of nowhere. It's a sight that prompts his twin sisters to proclaim: Today is going to be a good day!

That number reveals everything about Mahtook. It's pride and inspiration, and a way to carry his father, Michael, with him at all times.

It was my fathers football number, said Mahtook, who is competing with JaCoby Jones and Tyler Collins to be the Tigers starting centerfielder, the only real position battle on this team. I want to make him proud.

Michael, a former LSU linebacker, died of heart disease at age 32 while playing tennis when Mahtook was 4 years old.

I never felt like he was gone, if that makes any sense, said Mahtook, 27. Obviously, he was not there physically, but I feel like my mom and my uncles and friends and everybody who was close to me, kept him alive through stories.

To understand Mahtooks passion and why he plays baseball with such fierce determination and a linebacker's aggression and to appreciate how he ended up in this clubhouse after growing upwithout hisfather all you need is one story about his mother, Mary Ann Mahtook.

She's the strongest person he has ever met.

Michael Mahtook in 1992 with his son Mikie Mahtook, who is contending for the Tigers' starting centerfielder spot this season. Michael died of heart disease when Mikie was 4 years old.(Photo: Special to the DFP)

In 2010, Mary Ann was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. It was Mahtook's sophomore season at LSU,when he played in the NCAA tournament and for Team USA atWorld University Championships in Tokyo. He wanted to stop playing to be with her, but she wouldnt let him.

Shell never forget the tears in his eyes.

I told him, Please play ball, give me something to look forward to, Mary Ann told him. Ill Skype you. Ill watch all your games on the computer. For me, what Im asking of you, my love, is to play baseball. Play it hard. Thats what is going to get me through.

Play baseball. Play it hard.

Thats the mantra the Mahtooks used to get through everything. The loss of Michael. The battle against cancer. And everything between.

After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Mary Ann lost her hair.

We so protected Mikie, she said. We sheltered him. We still shelter him a little bit. He didnt see half of what my girls saw, and that was planned.

Related:

He's baaaack! Don Kelly returns to Detroit Tigers as pro scout

Mahtooktalked to her on Skype, instead.

He wanted to see me, Mary Ann said. We were like, let me put my baseball cap on. Let me put some make-up on. Lets put the game face on. Lets put the game face on and we did it. We put the game face on. We were like, Woo hoo! We are great over here!

She laughs at the memory.

I just needed him to believe that I was going to be fine, she said. I dont know if I believed it, but I definitely made him believe it.

Put the game face on. Fight through it. Soldier on.

Almost seven years later, Mary Ann is cancer free.

The Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers went through drills on Feb. 17, 2017, in Lakeland, Flo., and fans of all ages got a chance to interact with their favorite players. Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP

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Anthony Fenech narrates a trip from the batting cages to the bullpens and beyond as the Detroit Tigers work out Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, in Lakeland, Fla.

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The Tigers opened spring training Tuesday at newly-renovated Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP

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Check out the Detroit Tigers' renovated spring training complex during an extensive tour Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Anthony Fenech / DFP

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Detroit Tigers beat writer Anthony Fenech narrates his way around Tiger Town on the first day of pitchers and catchers workouts Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in Lakeland, Fla.

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Take a peek at Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers getting in their first official workout of the 2017 season on Feb. 14 in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Jeff Seidel / DFP

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Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers hit the field at Tiger Town in Lakeland, Fla., for their first official workout Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Video by Anthony Fenech / DFP

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"Can you autograph?!' Highlights from Tigers spring training in Lakeland

Enjoy 20-plus minutes of Tigers workouts Friday

Sights, sounds from first day of 2017 Tigers spring training

Behind the scenes: Check out Tigers' renovated spring training complex

Take a tour of Tiger Town with Anthony Fenech

Watch: Tigers' first workouts on the mound

Tigers pitchers, catchers take field in Lakeland

And now, thisguy who plays baseball like his hair is on fire diving for balls, trying to run through walls is fighting for a job with the Tigers. He's outgoing, electric and confident. And he hasso many of the same mannerisms as his father.

Obviously, the opportunity is here, Mahtook said. To be able to go out here and compete, knowing Im fighting for a starting job, not just a roster spot or a bench role, thats huge. Its what everybody wants to do. Everybody dreams about.

Mahtook is like his dad, in just about everything.

His dad was just a great guy, a big, awesome, good-looking guy with a gentle soul, Mary Ann said. He could captivate a room, easy to converse with. He made everyone comfortable and Mikie has a lot of that.

Mahtook was a star on the football field, just like his father. He was an all-state quarterback atSt. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, La., but a "shattered" armended his junior season. Surgery was required.

That was devastating, Mary Ann said. I saw what an injury does.

It was his first major injury, and he struggled to come back and start playing baseball.

That was the first lesson to me," Mary Ann said, "what injuries do to you mentally."

But Mahtook was back to normal by his senior baseball season

It just takes a while, Mary Ann said.

Tigers centerfielder Mikie Mahtook, right, poses for a picture with sisters, from left, Christina Mahtook, Catherine Mahtook Hollander and mother Mary Ann Mahtook.(Photo: Special to the DFP)

Now flash forward.

Mahtook didn't suffer a major injury at LSU, where he established himself as one of the best players in program history. A 2011 first-team All-American, Mahtook had a.344 career batting averageand ranks second in school history in triples (12) and fifth in stolen bases (60).

He plays good defense, can run, very athletic, Tigers general manager Al Avila said during last month's Winter Caravan We like him a lot. We feel he is a high-energy, toolsy guy, who still has some upside. I know (LSU coach) Paul Mainieri very well from LSU. He told us that he is probably one of the most electric players hes ever had in his program. Ever. And hes had a lot of real good ones.

Mahtook was taken in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2015, he played in 41 games for the Rays and showed all kinds of power, batting .295 with nine home runs in just 115 plate appearances.

But last season, he had a batch of injuries. Hisoblique kept him out3 weeks early in the year.

That was probably my biggest one, Mahtook said. I came back for three weeks and broke my hand, so I was out for another two months. Im not making excuses. Its the reality of what happened.

He struggled, hitting .195, and started to do things he had never done.

I did a lot of things that were uncharacteristic of me," Mahtook said. "Just trying to do too much, like trying to get eight hits in one at-bat."

To his mother, it was like watching him his junior year of high school baseball, when he was coming back from that broken arm.

You could see he was just off, she said. When I saw him struggling, I knew it was just going to take a while to get it back. You have to rehab, but you have to rehab your psyche. Its just a process. I think thats what happened to Mikie last year.

For years, she would call him after games, wanting to break down his at-bats or his plays in the field.

Id say, Mikie, I dont know if you are overthinking.

And hed be like, Uh, mom!

The Tigers traded for him during the off-season, knowing the talent wasthere to play defense in Comerica Park. The hope is that Mahtook will realize his potential and come back strong from those injuries, just like he did in high school.

Traded from Tampa Bay, the new Tiger is ready to compete for centerfielder's job. Video by Perry A. Farrell.

He might even win the starting job, orplatoon with Collins.

Either way, he's a guy to watch this spring.

I think this year is going to be a really good year, Mahtook said. I love the vibe here. Ive only been here a few days. Just the week or so that Ive been around here, the vibe is unreal. Everybody is super close. Everybody wants everybody to do super well. Theres no bad blood. Its a really, really good vibe.

Mary Ann is making plans, getting some Tigers gear and hopes to see him play on Opening Day, although she doesnt want to jinx anything.

She never remarried, Mahtook said. I think thats a testament to my dad, to what they meant to each other. Shes the best. Shes the strongest person I know. I am who I am because of her, because of what she has helped us overcome.

A single mom who raised two girls and a son who plays baseball like a linebacker.

Just like 54.

Related:

J.D. Martinez 'not proud' after finishing last among defensive RFs

Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@seideljeff. To read his recent columns, go tofreep.com/sports/jeff-seidel.

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Father's death, mother's strength inspire Tigers CF Mikie Mahtook - Detroit Free Press