Ever since the Pittsburgh Pirates were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on Sept. 15, Pirates fans have had one eye on the offseason and the other eye on the Cincinnati Reds. As a realistic shot at the playoffs emerged for Cincinnati in September, Pirates fans collectively slouched in their chairs with sunken hearts, praying that their bitter division rivals would fall short in the end.
Sure, Pirates fans are hardened from so many failed seasons, but they are also used to the comfort of the Reds often providing their team company at the bottom of the standings, or at least outside of the playoff picture.