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Atlanta Braves Loaded With Talent; Young Prospects May Fill In To Help

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Atlanta Braves Loaded With Talent; Young Prospects May Fill In To Help


The Atlanta Braves believed they had a championship team in 2023. Their thoughts were sound. The eventual outcome was not.

Atlanta won 104 games in the regular season and a National League East title, then were unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs by the division rival Philadelphia Phillies. It was back to the drawing board – or more accurately, the trading route.

The Braves added veteran pitchers Chris Sale, Marco Gonzalez and Reynaldo Lopez, outfielder Jarred Kelenic and infielder Luis Guillorme to the power-laden team.

It hardly seems likes there would be any room for a kid prospect to make the team in 2024. Pitchers Hursten Waldrep, Darius Vines, Dylan Dodd and Spencer Schwellenbach along with infielders David McCabe and Keshawn Ogans may have different opinions.

The Braves’ farm system hasn’t exactly been growing weeds while sluggers Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna and Orlando Arcia thrill crowds in Atlanta. There’s more talent on the way.

Waldrep has pitched 29 1/3 innings in the minors with some command issues. His stuff is so over-powering, however, that the 22-year-old could be ready for prime time after the all-star break. A 99-mph fastball and split-changeup are tough to hit, especially when mixed with a hard upper 80s slider.

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Vines, 23, is just the opposite type pitcher. He shows decent command of several more ordinary pitches. His mix-and-match approach could play at the back end of the rotation or in middle relief at some point this year.

Dodd, 25, is a lefty version of Vines. His fastball is a bit better and he misses bats with a sweeping slider that could play even better out of the bullpen.

Schwellenbach, 23, has just 65 pro innings under his belt after one season as a reliever at Nebraska where he was a two-way player. He has an upper-90s fastball, good slider and change from an effortless delivery. He just needs experience and may zoom past the others to contribute later this year.

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McCabe, 23, has power potential while Ogans, 22, appears to possess the perfect skills of a utility infielder. Both showed skills in the 2023 Arizona Fall League that could earn them some playing time in Atlanta this season should injuries crop up.

McCabe crashed 17 homers across two levels of Class A ball in 2023 and there is more potential from his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame. The switch-hitter has been more adept thus far from the left side at bat, but the Braves believe his strong right arm plays better at third base than first, where he has the most experience.

Ogans plays short, second and third, makes contact at the plate and does the little things it takes to contribute. He has a nice .354 on-base percentage in two years in the minors and had nine homers and 67 RBI with 10 steals at High-A Rome (Ga.) a year ago. He’s not going to make anybody forget Albies, Riley or Arcia – but could give any of those regulars a bit of rest here and there.

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Every Part Is Important

The Houston Astros have dominated the AL West in recent years with “spare parts” from the farm system playing key roles. They helped the team win, then grew into winners themselves.

Future pitching stars Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier were worked into the mix year-by-year. Young infielders Tyler White, Tony Kemp, Aledmys Diaz, Myles Straw and Abraham Toro filled in for the big stars. It worked well enough for the Astros to keep soaring.

The Big Red Machine

When Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” was rolling over opponents in the 1970s, 19-year-old Don Gullett came up to go 5-2 as a reliever and help the Reds win the NL pennant. He was then moved into the starting rotation as the machine went into high gear and won two World Series.

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Starters Ross Grimsley and Pat Darcy and relievers Rawly Eastwick and Will McEnaney turned bit appearances into starring roles. Young Doug Flynn, Dan Driessen, Ken Griffey and Ray Knight gave veteran sluggers Joe Morgan, Tony Perez and George Foster an occasional rest and developed into valuable regulars. The machine kept rolling.

Charlie Finley’s Fighting A’s

At the same time, the Oakland A’s were churning out Gene Tenace, George Hendrick, Claudell Washington, Phil Garner, Mike Norris and Glenn Abbott in support roles.

They joined scrapping stars Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers, Joe Rudi and Sal Bando who often were at odds in the clubhouse but a fine-tuned juggernaut on the field. The kids eventually claimed starting spots for the American League’s most dominant team. The scrappers kept scrapping.

The Perfect Mix

The Braves continue to rely on a strong farm system to develop players while shrewdly buying free agents. It’s the best of old-world development like Branch Rickey’s 1930s St. Louis Cardinals and George Steinbrenner’s spend-to-win New York Yankees of the late 1990s.

The San Diego Padres tried it Steinbrenner’s way the past couple of years and failed. The Los Angeles Dodgers soared into a new stratosphere of spending this winter. Time will tell how that works out.

The Braves have spent money and grown players for 2024. It should be fun watching.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall

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Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall


Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet

Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre

ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.

Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.

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“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”

Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the BeastSwan Princess and Snow White.

While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com

Public ticket sales begin June 19.

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About Atlanta Ballet:

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.

About the Fox Theatre:

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.

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The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.



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Injury Update: Michael Harris II improving but could go on IL

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Injury Update: Michael Harris II improving but could go on IL


Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.

The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.

Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.

It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.

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YMCA of Metro Atlanta Partners with Trae Young Family Foundation to Unveil 8 New Pickleball Courts with ‘First Dink’ Celebration

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YMCA of Metro Atlanta Partners with Trae Young Family Foundation to Unveil 8 New Pickleball Courts with ‘First Dink’ Celebration


New courts will bring access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports through youth programming, recreational play and community wellness initiatives

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta distributed the following announcement about the opening of new pickleball courts in East Cobb:

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of eight brand-new pickleball courts at its McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA location with a “First Dink” ceremony Wednesday, June 17. The new courts expand opportunities for community members of all ages to stay active, build connections and enjoy one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

The event featured remarks by leaders from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Trae Young Family Foundation, followed by a ceremonial “First Dink.” Players from the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s first professional pickleball team, closed out the celebration with a clinic, introducing community members to the game through demonstrations and hands-on play.

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Made possible through donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA community, the new pickleball courts will enhance a variety of YMCA programming, including youth camp camps, recreational play, leagues and opportunities for families and older adults to strengthen their physical and social well-being through active lifestyles.

“At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to connect, grow and thrive through healthy living,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These new pickleball courts will provide a welcoming space where children, families and older adults can build relationships, stay active and experience the joy of play together. We are grateful to the Trae Young Family Foundation and all the donors for helping make this investment in our community possible.”

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles and meaningful connections. The new courts at the McCleskey East-Cobb Family YMCA represent the latest example of the organization’s dedication to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.



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