I’m trying to figure out, here at first bloom of another Braves season, how this modest bunch can go all Loyola-Chicago on baseball.

A trade with the Cubs for Sister Jean could be a start. (I’m just assuming she’s an old-school, National League nun).

Otherwise, more practically, it is going to take some combination of the unforeseen to break through this season. Because just about everyone looking at this team from a studious distance seems to believe it hasn’t quite finished baking yet.

Five needs for the Braves, if they are to surprise anyone (and, please, feel free to add any Dansby Swanson reference or subtract others as you see fit):

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The incident happened Saturday morning before a home game at the University of Alabama Birmingham. (Courtesy of Protective Stadium)

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
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