Home Runs and Handshakes

Cubs aim to right the ship against the Brewers, while Chicago goes Bananas

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).

Brewers full-speed ahead as Cubs are stuck in neutral amid pennant chase

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)

A trade deadline descent into madness for Cubs fans

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).

Cubs vs. Brewers preview, MLB trade deadline set stage for wild week

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).

Chicago Cubs show mettle vs. Boston Red Sox, darn Dodgers swept by Brewers

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?