Snow Week survival

THUMBS UP: The “snownami” that was predicted for Minnesota this week came along right on schedule, but it was not quite as dire as predicted. We don’t think anyone will complain about the fact that we didn’t get 20 to 24 inches of snow, as some computerized weather models predicted. Fourteen inches is plenty, if you ask us. We are thankful for the advances in weather forecasting and technology that allows meteorologists to be able to predict, days in advance, when we can expect an unusual and potentially dangerous weather event. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and if the forecasts kept people from taking unnecessary risks, we should all be grateful to the forecasters. Keep giving us the worst case scenarios.

Gymnasts to state

THUMBS UP: State tournament time is upon us, and we congratulate two New Ulm gymnasts, Olivia Eckstein and Ella Freiderich, who will be participating in the Class A State Girls Gymnastics Meet in the individual competition on Saturday at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. It will be the first appearance at state for both. Eckstein will be competing in the beam event, while Freiderich will be competing in the floor exercises. Both girls have dealt with injuries, and are coming back at just the right time. Here’s to sticking your landings, Olivia and Ella.

Rules for better baseball

THUMBS UP: It’s a sure sign spring is on its way when Major League Baseball teams head south to get ready for the coming season. Spring training means opening day is not too far away. This year, MLB players will not only be working on their skills with bat and glove, they will be adapting to some new rules designed to speed up games. Over the last decade or so, games have started dragging on and on, to 3 ½ or 4 hours. Batters and pitchers seem to be locked in a duel over who can fidget and fuss longer between pitches. So baseball is adding a pitch clock. If the pitcher isn’t ready to pitch or the batter isn’t ready to bat within a certain time, they will be penalized. Pitchers will be charged with a ball, batters with a strike if they dawdle. Another rule requires two infielders to be on each side of second base, taking away the defensive shift that has robbed so many hitters of seeing-eye singles. Let’s give hitters sporting chance to get a single with a sharply hit grounder. Baseball is also adding bigger bases, putting the bases 4 ½ inches closer together, which should result in more stolen bases. Quicker pitching, more singles and more stolen bases will help make the game more interesting.