As soon as Ken Rosenthal reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates were suddenly pursuing lefty starter Framber Valdez in free agency, fans knew exactly how that flirtation was going to end.
Not even nine hours had passed since Rosenthal's initial report about the Pirates' interest before Valdez landed with the Detroit Tigers on a three-year, $115 million deal — complete with deferrals and an opt-out. And it landed exactly how Pirates fans have been conditioned to expect: with a shrug, a sigh, and the familiar refrain of yeah, that tracks.
Because let’s be honest: this pursuit was never about believing.