Home Runs and Handshakes

It was a (Savannah) Bananas weekend in Chicago, and Home Runs and Handshakes is breaking it all down. James Neveau and Frank Nova discuss the Cubs finally winning a series, and whether Pete Crow-Armstrong is finally snapping out of his funk (2:30). Craig Counsell’s handling of Owen Caissie gets well-deserved scrutiny (10:33), while they also examine Ben Brown’s struggles (21:35) and Daniel Palencia missing two games (23:50). Finally, the Cubs’ series against the Brewers takes center stage as a pivotal point in the season arrives (37:11), the guys wrap the show by discussing a massive weekend of Savannah Bananas baseball in Chicago (52:45).

On a new episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss the Cubs’ continued struggles following the All-Star Break and trade deadline. Can they possibly chase down the streaking Milwaukee Brewers (2:00)? Speaking of the deadline, the guys dissect Michael Soroka's health and Jed Hoyer’s comments after his exit (11:00). All this leads up to a discussion about if the Cubs are equipped to win the World Series this season (23:00). Pete Crow-Armstrong's struggles come into focus, but is it time to push the PCA panic button (33:30)? Finally, they discuss Anthony Rizzo’s comments on Johnny Menziel’s podcast (41:40) before previewing upcoming series against the Blue Jays and Pirates (50:00)

On a new episode of Home Runs and Handshakes James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the moves the Cubs made (and didn’t make) at the trade deadline. They start off with their anger at the Cubs missing out on their biggest deadline need (3:00), then turn their attention to breaking down what the team DID do:  

20:00 - Michael Soroka for SS Ronny Cruz and LF Christian Franklin
25:00 - Andrew Kittredge for SS Wilfri De La Cruz
28:18  - Taylor Rogers for RF Ivan Brethowr
30:00 - Willi Castro for RHP Sam Armstrong and RHP Ryan Gallagher

After breaking down the new acquisitions, they preview the Cubs' upcoming series against the Orioles and the Reds (46:00). Finally, they react to the passing of Ryne Sandberg, and his impact on their lives and the lives of Cubs fans (47:30).

The Chicago Cubs are set for a wild week, and in this episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova get you ready for all of it. The guys sing the praises of Cade Horton and Matt Shaw after this week’s White Sox series (1:00), and then discuss what they’re most excited about as the Cubs prepare to take on the hated Brewers in a titanic showdown of the National League’s best teams (16:45). The MLB trade deadline then takes center stage, with the Cubs’ pursuit of a starting pitcher (fancy a MacKenzie Gore, anyone) and a closer-level reliever drawing the most attention as the deadline approaches (21:00). Finally, the guys end the show by recapping the Cubs’ flurry of rehab assignments, as Jameson Taillon and Miguel Amaya prepare to potentially rejoin the roster (41:33). 

On the Episode No. 8 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova discuss the ever-tightening National League Central race after the Brewers swept the Dodgers and the Cubs took two-of-three from the Red Sox (1:00). Cade Horton’s duel with Garrett Crochet then takes center stage (8:25). Later, they discuss The Cubs’ offense’s performance against Boston (15:15) and break down Colin Rea and Shota Imanaga’s recent successes (22:00). They wrap up the podcast by previewing the final nine games before the trade deadline (46:30) and provide an update on the team’s efforts to sign their 2025 MLB Draft class (46:30).

0:00 - Intro
1:00 - The state of the NL Central
7:30 - Recapping the Cubs-Red Sox Series
32:15 – Another bullpen game? Say it ain’t so!
42:45 - Previewing the Cubs’ series vs. the Royals and White Sox
46:30 - Cubs draft pick signing updates
50:30 – Was the All-Star Game swing-off a home run?

On the seventh episode of Home Runs and Handshake, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss the state of the Cubs at All-Star break (2:00). They praise the team’s strengths and evaluate their weaknesses (5:45) and heap praise upon Pete Crow-Armstrong, the unquestioned MVP of the team’s season (9:00). Later, they discuss how Daniel Palencia has looked this season (16:45) before debating the Cubs’ biggest need at the trade deadline (19:45). Finally, they break down the Cubs selections in the 2025 MLB Draft (49:30) and the team’s schedule heading out of the break.

0:00 - Intro

2:00 - Thoughts on this Cubs team so far

5:45 - What they need to add at the deadline

9:00 - PCA’s impact on the team

16:45 - Has Daniel Palencia solidified himself as the Cubs’ closer

19:45 - What is the biggest need for the Cubs?

34:40 - Cubs MLB Draft selections

49:30 - All-Star game thoughts

On the sixth episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss All Star Game selections (1:00), and debate whether Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch were snubbed after being left off the roster (9:50). Later, they break down the Cubs’ top-four prospects after a new MLB Pipeline ranking drops, (26:00) and bemoan Jameson Taillon’s injury and its impact on the rotation (37:30). Finally, they dissect Alvin Kamara’s rough first-pitch effort at Wrigley Field (47:20).

0:00 - Intro
1:00 - All-Star Game selections
8:15 - Rob Manfred using the “Legends Pick” for the ASG
9:50 - Should Seiya Suzuki have made the ASG over Kyle Schwarber 
14:30 - Should they get rid of every team sends a player?
26:00 - Cubs’ top-four prospects break down
37:30 - Jameson Taillon injury
47:20 - Alvin Kamara

On this week's episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to recap the Cubs road trip against the Cardinals and the Astros (2:30). They discuss the team's handling of Dansby Swanson's lineup spot (10:00), Shota's triumphant return to the rotation (13:30) and Ben Brown being sent to the minors. The guys then hand out their midseason awards for Most Surprising and Most Disappointing Cubs and more (22:00)! Finally, James and Frank peer into their crystal balls and make their bold predictions for the second half of the season (33:30) before paying tribute to the late Dave Parker (52:30). 

0:00 - Intro

2:30 - Recapping the Cubs' road trip vs. the Cardinals and Astros

10:00 - Dansby batting cleanup

13:30 - Shota returns, Ben Brown heads to Iowa

22:00 - Mid-season awards

25:41 - most disappointing 

28:50 - Favorite moment of the season so far

33:30 - Second half predictions

49:00 - All-Star Voting

52:30 - Dave Parker 

On this week's episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau is joined by guest cohost Jeremy Diemer of Wrigleyville Nation to discuss the Cubs' lacklust week against the Brewers and Mariners (2:06). The guys react to the Cubs' bullpen implosion and the struggles of Colin Rea (9:15) ahead of the return of Shota Imanaga to the team's rotation, and how this week's struggles put the team's trade deadline needs into sharp focus. (17:00). James then helps ease the nerves of Cubs fans a bit by discussing how the team's pedestrian June compares to other playoff contenders (20:25), and the guys rejoice in Sammy Sosa's return to Wrigley Field this week (26:00). The sad times roll again later as Matt Shaw's month to forget goes under the microscope, and the guys debate whether the team should seek a third baseman before the deadline (31:45). Finally, the Cubs' first series of the season against the Cardinals has finally arrived, and James and Jeremy share their predictions for the week ahead (43:00). 

1:40 - Recapping Cubs week vs Brewers and Mariners

9:15 - Bullpen implosion and Colin Rea’s struggle

17:00 - How concerned are you about the Bullpen?

26:00 - Sammy Sosa welcomed back to Wrigley Field

31:45 - Is Matt Shaw the answer at third base?

43:00 - Lookahead at the Cubs schedule

On episode 3 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the Cubs' week against the Phillies and Pirates, starting with Cade Horton’s showcase vs. Paul Skenes (7:05). As the Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to the Giants (21:25), the guys pinpoint the Cubs' biggest trade deadline needs (23:30). They also discuss a quirk in Shota Imanaga’s contract (34:45) and how Pete Crow-Armstrong has quietly built his skillset while he's stunned fans on the field. Finally, they debate the man on second rule in extra innings (41:30) and preview the upcoming week against the Brewers and Mariners (50:30).

0:00 - Intro

1:15- Happy Birthday to Billy Williams 

4:45 - The week that was for the Cubs

7:05 - Breaking down Cade Horton’s showdown with Paul Skenes

14:00 - Crazy stats from the past week

18:50 - Ian Happ’s outing vs. the Phillies and the Pirates 

21:25 - Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to the Giants

23:30 - Potential Cubs trade targets

34:45 - Shota Imanaga’s contract quirk 

41:30 - Extra Inning rules

50:30 - Previewing the upcoming Brewers and Mariners series