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