Can you handle the optimism?

I wouldn’t say that the default position of the typical Minnesota sports fan is pessimism, but let’s just say that getting nervous and uneasy about how local teams are doing seems easy.

To be sure, it’s unfounded, given the levels of playoff sadness and general disillusionment that fans — especially Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, and Wild fans — have felt over the years.

If I had the time and resources, I would be fascinated to know if this feeling of unease that grips many (but not all) Minnesota fans whenever the stakes are raised is in any way a self-fulfilling prophecy that creates a certain environment in home playoff games that leads to star athletes underperforming. And more disappointment from fans.

I know this: starting such a study now would not be wise. Because at this moment, there is an unfamiliar feeling of euphoria and confidence that permeates our local teams and our fans, as Patrick Rios and I spoke at Daily Monday Delivery Podcast.

Timberwolves fans are the least familiar with that feeling, and about a week ago they were forgiven for feeling doom.

Remember when the Suns were an unbeatable opponent and a lower-ranked postseason team loomed that easily dispatched the Wolves in all three regular-season meetings? Yes, that was about 10 days ago.

As it turns out, there was a sweep in the series — by the Timberwolves, the first time ever a Minnesota team has swept a best-of-seven series. The Wolves won a playoff series for the first time in 20 years, with 2003-04 being the only year in franchise history in which they advanced to the postseason.

Wolves fans can now dream about what’s next, While Suns fans should be afraid of that.

Remember, too, that less than a week ago, Vikings fans didn’t know if they would get their quarterback of the future — or, if they did, if Minnesota would have to significantly overpay for future assets.

It was a land of 10,000 uncertainties.

Then Thursday’s draft arrived, JJ McCarthy slid a bit down the board, and the Vikings not only got their guy, they held on to all of their other first-round picks (and nabbed perhaps the best defensive player in the draft, Dallas Turner, later in another higher trade).

I have yet to speak to a Vikings fan who wasn’t thrilled about the way the night went.

And if all that seemed like a distraction for the Twins, they demanded attention with a winning streak to get them over .500 after that horrific 7-13 start.

That’s enough to make even the most pessimistic Minnesota sports observer – and perhaps Royce – optimistic.

Can you handle it?