The seduction of potential is a powerful lure, allowing imaginations to run wild without suffering the consequences of reality.

It is the main reason that teams like the Timberwolves, Twins and Vikings (to a degree) are seen as exciting while the more successful Wild, at least to some, is looked at through a different lens.

We don't know what Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Teddy Bridgewater or Anthony Barr will become or where they will lead their teams. The Wild is a known commodity; just don't confuse that with boring and predictable.

confused We tried to make some sense of the Gerald Hodges trade on this week's Access Vikings podcast. Find it at startribune.com and iTunes.

central power No matter who won the NL wild-card game Wednesday, that team was favored to reach the World Series, per fivethirtyeight.com.