There are three options, really: 1) We tend to root so much for the unexpected hero or underdog that the opposite happening more often than not shouldn't be surprising.

2) We tend to overreact to a small sample size, creating false hope that once again shouldn't be surprising when crushed.

3) We are a jinx.

Regardless, we have a maddening habit of getting lured into supporting a player, team or premise at the worst possible time -- and then writing about it, and then looking like an idiot. A few recent examples:

*April 19 on Jim Hoey: We're trying not to go overboard when talking about the meaning of the four outs recorded by Twins reliever Jim Hoey. We're trying to look past the sheer desperation which led to last night's situation -- a callup being the first right-hander summoned from the 'pen in a 3-2 game with 2 on and 2 out in the 7th and one of the Orioles' most dangerous hitters at the plate. But we will say this: If Hoey has that kind of stuff on a reasonably consistent basis, he can help redefine and revamp the Twins' bullpen in a hurry.

Hoey, of course, went on to give up 15 hits and 13 runs (only nine earned!) in 7 innings after that outing, was sent to the minors, and was only recalled recently because the Twins and Kevin Slowey are convinced they are poison for each other.

*May 20, on Trevor Plouffe: Plouffe has been downright Ruthian compared to the rest of the characters granted access to that sacred No. 2 spot in the order. After homering yesterday, Plouffe is 10-for-35 (.286) during 9 games the 2-hole, with a pair of homers, 8 RBI and 8 runs scored (his most recent game is not individually reflected in these stats, though it is oddly reflected in the team totals for No. 2 hitters). All other No. 2 hitters in the order (including Mauer and Nishioka) are a combined 21-for-129 (.163) during 33 games in the 2-hole with 0 home runs, 8 RBI and 11 runs scored. ... When someone at least brings competency to a part of the Twins' world this season, it is cause for celebration.

We also might have tweeted that the finish of Plouffe's best swings reminds us of A-Rod, but NOBODY HAS TO KNOW THAT RIGHT NOW. Since that blog post, anyway, Plouffe is 1-for-17 (the hit was a home run, mind you) and so terribly misplayed a pair of balls in the opener of the Seattle series that he rode the pine for the past two games.

*We giddily announced the Packers wouldn't make the Super Bowl after it became clear they were locked into a No. 6 seed. We can't find proof, but it happened.

*May 18, in the NOTC, on Bulls/Heat: As constructed the Bulls, with their one true Alpha player (MVP Derrick Rose) and a cadre of seemingly perfect complementary players who defend with vigor and tend to rise to any necessary occasion, play like a throwback team. Noah, Deng and Gibson were critical pieces in their Game 1 dismantling of the Heat, a 103-82 victory served up with an exclamation point. With Game 2 of their Eastern Conference finals series set for Wednesday night, it's hard to imagine the Bulls being put together any better than they are right now.

You know, unless they never win another game this season.

Anyone have something they would like us to try to jinx? All we need is a little plausibility.