Home Runs and Handshakes

James Neveau and Frank Nova

5.0 (4)
BASEBALL

Welcome to Home Runs and Handshakes. Join James Neveau and Frank Nova weekly as they discuss the latest Chicago Cubs news. From Single-A to MLB, Home Runs and Handshakes has got you covered!

08/18/2025

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).

57 min
08/11/2025

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)

55 min
08/01/2025

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 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 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).

1h 2m
07/28/2025

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).

55 min
07/21/2025

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 - Intro1:00 - The state of the NL Central7:30 - Recapping the Cubs-Red Sox Series32:15 – Another bullpen game? Say it ain’t so!42:45 - Previewing the Cubs’ series vs. the Royals and White Sox46:30 - Cubs draft pick signing updates50:30 – Was the All-Star Game swing-off a home run?

56 min
07/15/2025

In praise of Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Cubs’ second half preview

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

57 min
07/07/2025

Cubs’ 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 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 down37:30 - Jameson Taillon injury47:20 - Alvin Kamara

55 min
07/01/2025

Cubs’ midseason awards and second half predictions

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

1h 1m
06/23/2025

Cubs' bullpen implodes at Wrigley as trade deadline needs come into focus

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

53 min
06/16/2025

Cade 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). 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

1 hr
06/09/2025

Potential World Series preview? Cubs drop hard-fought series vs. Tigers

On 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 this week’s announcement paving the way for Jerry Reinsdorf to relinquish control of the Chicago White Sox (43:50). They end the episode by sharing their predictions for the Cubs next 7 games (52:00). 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Nico Hoerner ejected from game vs. Tigers 7:30 - Nationals/Tigers series reactions 10:20 - Cubs Starting Pitching 12:30 - Michael Busch 14:30 - Matt Shaw 17:45 - Ian Happ 25:00 - Injury Updates 27:20 - Goin' Prospectin' 31:40 - MLB All-Star Voting 38:15 - Cubs vs. Phillies preview43:50 - White Sox announcement about future ownership 52:00 - Cubs vs. Pirates preview

59 min
06/02/2025

Pete 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 - Injury updates (Kyle Tucker)21:15 - How PCA has looked in the first two months27:13 - Should the Cubs sign Kyle Tucker to an extension?45:00 - Predictions for upcoming road trip53:00 - Does Cade Horton need an opener against the Tigers?

1 hr

12 Episodes

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Enjoyed the podcast!

06/07/2025

Suzi621

Looking forward to more!

Welcome to Home Runs and Handshakes. Join James Neveau and Frank Nova weekly as they discuss the latest Chicago Cubs news. From Single-A to MLB, Home Runs and Handshakes has got you covered!

Creator

James Neveau and Frank Nova
Years Active

2K
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 James Neveau and Frank Nova