Shows
Home Runs and HandshakesA trade deadline descent into madness for Cubs fansOn 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 Franklin25:00 - Andrew Kittredge for SS Wilfri De La Cruz28:18 - Taylor Rogers for RF Ivan Brethowr30:00 - Willi Castro for RHP Sam Armstrong and RHP Ryan Gallagher2025-08-011h 02
Home Runs and HandshakesCubs vs. Brewers preview, MLB trade deadline set stage for wild weekThe 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 cl...2025-07-2855 min
Home Runs and HandshakesChicago Cubs show mettle vs. Boston Red Sox, darn Dodgers swept by BrewersOn 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 - I...2025-07-2155 min
Home Runs and HandshakesIn praise of Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Cubs’ second half previewOn 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 - Intro2:00...2025-07-1557 min
Home Runs and HandshakesCubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker named to All-Star Game + Seiya Suzuki snubbed?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 - Intro1:00 - All-Star Game selections8:15 - Rob Manfred using the “Legends Pick” for the ASG9:50 - Should Sei...2025-07-0755 min
Home Runs and HandshakesCubs’ midseason awards and second half predictionsOn 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). 2025-07-011h 00
Home Runs and HandshakesCubs' bullpen implodes at Wrigley as trade deadline needs come into focusOn 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...2025-06-2352 min
Home Runs and HandshakesCade Horton’s turn in the spotlight, Cubs trade deadline needs, and do MLB's extra innings rules stink?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).2025-06-161h 00
Home Runs and HandshakesPotential World Series preview? Cubs drop hard-fought series vs. TigersOn episode 2 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova recap a potential World Series preview we witnessed as the Cubs and Tigers battled in Detroit. The guys skewer Nico Hoerner’s ejection Sunday afternoon (1:15) before pivoting to the Cubs’ stellar starting pitching of late (10:20) and Ian Happ’s recent struggles, as Michael Busch and Matt Shaw have surged forward (12:30). Later, they deliver injury updates on Shota Imanaga and Porter Hodge (25:00) before panning for gold in this week’s “Goin Prospectin’” segment (27:20). Finally, they discuss MLB All-Star voting (31:40), preview the Cubs’ series vs. the Phillies (38:15) and offer their takes on t...2025-06-0959 min
Home Runs and HandshakesPete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker have been stellar, but who's the Cubs' MVP?On the debut episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the Cubs' 5-1 homestand against the Rockies and Reds, highlighted by some unsung heroes. Later, they dive into a debate on who the Cubs' MVP has been through the first two months of 2025. Can PCA keep up his torrid pace? What's taking the Cubs so long to offer Kyle Tucker an extension? Finally, they gaze into the crystal ball for predictions on a tough road trip against the Tigers and Phillies. 00:00 - Intro09:00 - Recapping the Cubs' recent home stand17:00...2025-06-0259 min