A shift in the balance of power is often subtle, occurring in such small increments as to be barely perceptible. But sometimes it arrives all it once — confirmed by the benefit of hindsight, sure, but predicted in the moment.
Two Vikings/Packers examples come to mind immediately: the demolition of Green Bay at Lambeau Field during Randy Moss' rookie season of 1998, and the injury to Aaron Rodgers in 2017. Both signaled a major shift, at least that season, in the rivalry.
For the Twins, that moment sure might have happened Wednesday night. While Martin Perez was busy shutting down the Astros, a broken bone in the pitching arm of Cleveland ace Corey Kluber signaled another blow for the longtime AL Central power.
It's uncomfortable acknowledging how Kluber's injury will influence the AL Central this season because it can feel a bit like dancing on a grave. But it's reality.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. mrand@startribune.com
