Why?

Why would a die-hard Red Sox fan give up on their team, to start cheering for a last place team? Doesn't every fan envy my position? The curse was broken. I thought I could die in peace, and then they won another one. They have plenty enough young talent and seasoned veterans to make yet another run this year. They very well might have a dynasty in the making. They have a young GM who is unafraid to make a splash and take risks (think trading the beloved Nomar, letting Damon and Pedro go). Their dreaded rivals look vulnerable. All signs point to it being a GREAT time to be a Red Sox fan. Well, I'm not giving up on the Red Sox. They will always be my true favorites. I grew up watching the likes of Ed Jurak and Wade Boggs. Jim Rice and Rich Gedman. John Tudor and Bruce Hurst. I have a basement full of Red Sox memorabilia, and memories of chanting "Rog-er" when he returned to Fenway for the first time in pinstripes. I named a cat Bucky because it had a gimpy leg. The Sox are a part of me. That will never change. However, the Pirates have been bubbling under the surface for awhile. The year I was born, Roberto Clemente led them to the title. I was born just 90 miles from Three Rivers (and the day of, they won, Sox lost to the Yanks). My father was born and raised in the region, and I can remember him cheering on the likes of Stargell and Candelaria and We Are Family. My wife was born and raised in the region too, and knows who Sid Bream is. There are a myriad of reasons WHY I SHOULD be a Pirates fan. I have been reading the blogs and Kovacevic. And truthfully, there is reason to be optimistic about this ballclub. Good young pitchers, good young position players, a couple of veterans who might bring a bounty around the trade deadline, and new management all spell hope. 82 is achievable. I live in Indianapolis, and can see the future playing in one of the best minor league ballparks in the country. I'm in the front row for next weekend's opening night game. I will get to see Walker and Pearce and McCutchen. And I will wear a P on my hat proudly. I will support a team that NEEDS my support. In short, I will become a fan. No, I am a fan. That's what spring and baseball are all about.