PLUS THREE

Recent cases of too much optimism:

• Twins in March 2016. "What's not to like?'' was theme of column. Final answer: "Everything.''

• Wild in late April 2015. Skating W's had beaten Blues; now, they were going to whip the Blackhawks and go onward to win the Cup. I had "Dubs fever'' … so shoot me.

• Vikings in late July 2010. Guaranteed, Favre was coming back and the Vikings finally would win a Super Bowl. Another example of a long-term issue for me: too much Purple optimism.