I'm just bitter. Baseball was my favorite sport and I played from pre-K to 9th grade. Watching those early late 90's, early 2000's teams killed any enthusiasm I had for the Pirates. Hard to root for a team that doesn't put any effort into building a contender.
I was right there with ya...but things are way different now with the buccos. I think they've found their strategic niche organizationally. The team has been great the past few years. Their player development is proven and their system is stocked with prospects. No, we'll never sign the big name pitcher or slugger in the off season...nor will we be able to retain top talent into their 30s. I wish people would stop expecting that or thinking it's necessary to win. If they stick with what they're doing, they can continue to win every single year...and eventually, who knows...
I root for the pirates and Steelers as of now. And my enthusiasm for the Steelers is nowhere near what it was a decade or so ago...but that's mostly a side effect of my hatred for the nfl.
I'll root for the pens again when Sid and letang are gone.