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Atlanta’s Best Arm Snubbed by MLB’s Starting Pitcher Rankings 

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Atlanta’s Best Arm Snubbed by MLB’s Starting Pitcher Rankings 


The Atlanta Braves have had some things not go their way this season. 

Top starting pitcher Spencer Strider, who left the home opener complaining of elbow pain that resulted in season-ending elbow surgery, was expected to be the anchor of a rotation that was seen as potentially one of the best in baseball. 

Instead, it’s free agent signee Reynaldo López, 2-0 with a 0.72 ERA, that has put up some of the best performances of any starter in all of baseball. He‘s allowed just two earned runs in his first 25 innings (four starts) on the 2024 season, including a thirteen-inning scoreless streak that spanned two full games. 

Despite López’s dominance, however, MLB.com’s Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, updated this morning after voting from the staff of MLB.com, don’t have him represented in the top nineteen. 

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And that feels like an oversight. 

It’s actually the third iteration of the rankings for this season – Spencer Strider was at the top of the list prior to Opening Day, but has been removed for obvious reasons – yet López continues to not be recognized for his dominance. 

The top ten is full of a lot of names you’d expect – Zach Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies (#1), Tyler Glasnow of the Los Angeles Dodgers (#2), and Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles (#4) – but one name that got my attention is Boston Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford, who is new to the list for this edition. 

Coming in the list at #7, MLB.com notes that he’s currently leading the majors with a 0.66 ERA. Having made five starts covering 27.1 innings, Crawford’s allowed only three runs (two earned) while striking out thirty and not yet allowing a homer. MLB.com notes that he’s not allowed more than one run in any of his five starts, including holding the Orioles and Cleveland Guardians scoreless. 

Know who is second in all of baseball in ERA behind Crawford? Reynaldo López, who has also put up two scoreless outings among his four starts and hasn’t allowed more than one run in any outing this season.

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And yet, no recognition. 

López didn’t even make the “others receiving votes”, which has nine names who all were mentioned by the thirteen MLB.com voters while they were compiling the rankings. 

Would you really rather have Paul Blackburn of the Oakland A’s, who has allowed seven runs in five starts, over Reynaldo López right now? What about Toronto’s Yusei Kikuchi, who also has seven runs allowed in 27.2 innings and a loss on his ledger? Seattle’s Bryce Miller has eight runs allowed (seven earned) and eleven walks with five homers already on the season, but he’s getting votes instead of López. 

Make it make sense.  

 

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Atlanta, GA

Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of north Georgia; snow possible this weekend in Atlanta

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Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of north Georgia; snow possible this weekend in Atlanta


CBS News Atlanta is tracking the chance for snow across north Georgia and possibly parts of metro Atlanta this weekend.

Will it snow in Atlanta this weekend?

This will not be a sleet or freezing rain event like the storm that moved through last weekend. Forecast models show temperatures cold enough from the upper atmosphere down to the surface to support snow only.

There is still uncertainty about how much snow will fall and exactly where it will accumulate.

While forecast models agree precipitation would fall as snow, not sleet or freezing rain, they differ on how much snow could reach northeast Georgia.

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The forecast depends on an area of low pressure expected to develop in the Gulf of Mexico and move off the coast of the Carolinas. That system would spin counterclockwise and pull moisture inland.

Forecast models show parts of north Georgia, including metro Atlanta getting snow early Saturday morning. 

There is plenty of cold air already in place ahead of the system, which could allow measurable snow in the Carolinas and possibly north Georgia.

The American forecast model brings a couple of inches of snow to areas such as Blairsville, Gainesville and Athens on Saturday. The European model has been more aggressive, showing higher snow totals across eastern and northeastern Georgia by late Saturday.

Snow would begin Saturday morning and continue through the afternoon and evening.

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Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of Georgia

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for northeast and east-central Georgia, including the North Georgia mountains, Gainesville, and areas just east of Eatonton. The watch also includes metro Atlanta.

The winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening through Sunday morning and means snow accumulation of up to 2 inches is possible in the affected areas.

Fulton County and parts of metro Atlanta could see only a few flurries, while northeast Georgia may receive a couple of inches or more of snow by the end of Saturday.

Forecasters will continue to monitor model trends to determine whether snow totals increase and whether the storm system shifts farther west, which would raise snow chances for metro Atlanta.

The forecast hinges on the exact track and strength of the low-pressure system along the Carolina coast. The closer the system moves inland and the stronger it becomes, the greater the potential for snow in north Georgia.

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Extreme Cold Watch Saturday, Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for all of north and central Georgia, in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. 

Forecasters warn of dangerously cold wind chills, ranging from 10 degrees below zero in the north Georgia mountains to single digits above zero in central Georgia, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. Officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, pets, and exposed pipes as the frigid air moves in.

Stay with CBS News Atlanta for the latest updates on this weekend’s snow potential.



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Atlanta, GA

Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims to headline Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert

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Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims to headline Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Metro Atlanta native Teddy Swims will headline the Super Bowl LX Tailgate Concert.

Swims, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Conyers, will bring his blend of R&B, country, soul and pop to the pregame show outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Feb. 8, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Teddy Swims arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y.(Evan Agostini | Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

“The Super Bowl is one of those events I grew up watching with my dad and brothers and have always dreamed of being at and performing!” Swims said in a statement. “Coming from a football family – I played and watched my whole life – the Super Bowl was a favorite pastime for me and my family to get around and hang together. It’s an honor to be a part of it and kick off the game!”

Bay Area rapper LaRussell will open for Swims.

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The Tailgate Concert is set to begin at 3:50 p.m. ET.



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Metro Atlanta school districts warn of consequences as student ICE walkouts spread

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Metro Atlanta school districts warn of consequences as student ICE walkouts spread


Hundreds of students across metro Atlanta have already walked out of class this week, and with more demonstrations planned, several Georgia school districts are now speaking out. 

Officials are warning that while student voices matter, disruptions during the school day will carry consequences.

On Tuesday, large groups of students left class at Archer High School and Parkview High School as part of protests tied to immigration enforcement concerns. More walkouts are planned for Wednesday in Newton, Paulding, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties, according to organizers. Last week, hundreds of students also walked out at Meadowcreek High School.

The demonstrations follow a broader wave of student activism earlier this month. On Jan. 20, metro Atlanta students joined a nationwide walkout in solidarity with Minnesota residents protesting an immigration crackdown in that state. The “Free America Walkout” took place that afternoon at universities and high schools across the region. At Lakeside High School in DeKalb County, more than 1,000 students participated. Walkouts also occurred at Emory University, Kennesaw State University, and other locations, ending with a citywide rally at Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta.

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As protests continue, school districts are emphasizing safety, instruction, and adherence to student codes of conduct.

In Cobb County, school officials said they are aware of efforts by outside groups to recruit students for a rally related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30. The district said those efforts encourage students to leave class or authorized school areas during the school day, which officials say would disrupt learning.

“While we respect the right of students to express their views in a non-disruptive way, students are expected to be in class and engaged in learning throughout the school day,” the district said in a statement.

Cobb County warned that violations of the student Code of Conduct, including skipping class or leaving authorized areas, could lead to disciplinary action, including out-of-school suspension and the loss of parking, sports, or extracurricular privileges. District leaders also cautioned that such consequences could have long-term impacts that may be considered by colleges or future employers.

On Jan. 23, hundreds of students at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, walked out of classes to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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The Paulding County School District issued a similar message to families, saying it has seen online posts, potentially from individuals or activist groups outside the community, encouraging student walkouts or demonstrations tied to ICE-related events.

While the district said it respects students’ rights to peaceful expression, officials said the suggested actions could jeopardize student safety and disrupt academic instruction. Any activity that interrupts the instructional day or involves leaving campus without permission is not school-sponsored and will result in discipline under district policy, the statement said.

“Our focus is providing a safe, positive learning environment focused on instruction, and classes will continue as scheduled throughout the week,” Paulding County officials said, adding that administrators and safety staff will monitor campuses to maintain order.

In DeKalb County, district leaders acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding recent national events and said they recognize students’ desire to speak out on issues they care about. The district emphasized its commitment to developing globally engaged citizens while maintaining safe and orderly schools.

“Students have the right to free expression; however, that expression must occur in a manner that does not disrupt instruction or compromise their safety,” the district said.

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DeKalb County encouraged students to work with school administrators to find school-approved ways to share their perspectives, such as facilitated discussions or service activities. The district also reminded families that walkouts and other disruptive actions are prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct and may result in discipline based on the severity and context of the behavior, in accordance with state law.

With more walkouts planned in the coming days, districts across metro Atlanta say they are urging families to talk with students about appropriate civic engagement, balancing the right to be heard with the responsibility to keep schools safe, and focused on learning.



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